Robert Bosch, GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi have signed a joint venture to develop lithium-ion batteries with a 400km range for the hybrid market.
The deal between the German industrial company and two Japanese firms will undertake research and development into lithium-ion batteries for electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles to improve the range from 240km at present to 400km.
Bosch will own 50% of the joint venture, GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi will each hold a 25% stake.
Bosch will contribute its experience in production of large-scale chemicals as well as the monitoring and control of cells and complete battery systems, and the integration of battery systems into vehicles. GS Yuasa will contribute experience in manufacturing lithium-ion cells with high energy density, expertise in materials systems, and electrochemistry. While Mitsubishi, will bring its global marketing network and expertise in business enterprise to the partnership.
This is Bosch’s second JV with a lithium-ion battery maker, Samsung and Bosch formed SB Limotive in 2008 but this ended in September 2012 when Samsung bought Bosch’s 50% stake for US$95 million.
