Japanese automaker Mazda is joining a partnership to develop 12-volt lithium-ion batteries— with the aim of “replacing” existing lead-acid starter batteries in cars by 2021.
Mazda is teaming up with Japanese Li-battery maker ELIIY Power and chemicals firm Ube Industries to develop the “durable, heat- and impact-resistant” batteries as a “viable replacement for lead-acid”.
Under the terms of the agreement, ELILY will combine its expertise in producing starter batteries for motorcycles while Ube will work on developing an electrolyte with a “higher flash point and better heat resistance”.
Mazda said it will use its computer-aided model-based development techniques to study the chemical reactions inside the batteries, improve technology to manage batteries “from a vehicle-total perspective” and “develop a general purpose model for their use”.
The trio said they will also consider extending their cooperation using technology developed for the project “as a base for other low-voltage lithium-ion batteries” for vehicle electrification technologies other than starter batteries.
