Daimler to Market Lithium-ion Batteries for New Uses

In June, Daimler AG will begin marketing Mercedes-Benz-branded lithium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage. The company plans to begin shipping units in October.

The stationary batteries will be produced in 2.5-kWh (private) and 5.9-kWh (industrial) configurations by Daimler's Deutsche Accumotive GmbH subsidiary, which was formed in 2009. Since then the company has delivered more than 60,000 lithium-ion batteries for electrified vehicles.

Daimler plans to invest about €100 million ($110 million) to expand production capacity and double the workforce at Deutsche Accumotive's plant in Kamenz, Germany.

Daimler has nearly 100 lithium-ion battery packs for industrial storage already on Germany's power grid and marketed on the country's energy exchange. The battery modules are operated by partner companies The Mobility House and GETEC through the Coulomb joint venture, which plans a sixfold increase in battery capacity to 3,000 kWh in coming weeks.

Daimler will collaborate with German utility EnBW AG to provide energy storage systems to the private sector, combining as many as eight modules for a total output of 20 kWh. Other sales and distribution partners will be added later.

Daimler is the second carmaker this month to enter the stationary storage market. Tesla Motors Inc. says it has received more than 40,000 reservations worth about $800 million in potential sales for its 7- and 10-kWh modular Powerwall battery systems.