A123 Touts New Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistry

A123 Systems Inc. says its new "nanophosphate EXT" chemistry enables lithium-ion batteries to operate at ambient temperatures between -30 C and 45 C (-22 to 113 F) without requiring thermal management.

The Waltham, Mass.-based battery maker says tests at Ohio State University suggest that batteries using its new technology retain more than 90% of initial capacity after 2,000 full charge-discharge cycles at 45 C. A123 predicts further tests will show its new battery can deliver 20% more power at -30 C than conventional lithium-ion chemistries.

A123 plans to launch high-volume production of the new battery system in the first half of next year.

The company says using its nanophosphate EXT system to reduce or eliminate the need for battery cooling systems in electric vehicles would cut costs, reduce weight and improve reliability. The company says those features also point to a bright future for the technology in the telecommunications backup market.

The new chemistry is a variant of A123's proprietary lithium-iron phosphate battery technology. The company says the latest formulation delivers more power, longer cycle life and better safety performance than typical lithium-ion batteries.

The new chemistry effectively eliminates the cold-cranking advantage of lead-acid batteries, according to A123. The company predicts batteries using its chemistry will thus become a more attractive alternative for standard 12-volt engine-start batteries and for so-called micro-hybrid systems that provide a modest assist at start-up.