Backdrop for Change

The way the world produces, stores and consumes energy is in the process of being redefined. One of the key drivers of that change is the lithium-ion battery. The transportation sector, with its heavy reliance on oil, represents the first proving ground for the transition away from petroleum based fuels. Recognizing the economic, political and environmental ramifications of the way in which energy has been consumed since the automobile first entered mass production, the global automotive industry is currently undergoing unprecedented change. A new breed of vehicles has begun to emerge that will use electric motors for all or part of their drive train energy needs, making the transition from oil dependence to alternative fuels like clean coal, nuclear and solar power possible. The lithium-ion battery, with its reduced weight and abundant power, provides an ideal energy storage solution that will enable the widespread adoption and commercialization of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric vehicles.

Why Lithium-ion?

The electric motor offers considerable advantages over the internal combustion engine in terms of fuel-efficiency, performance characteristics and emissions. Lithium-ion represents a significant advancement in battery technology when compared to the nickel-metal hydride batteries currently used in today’s hybrid vehicles. Ener1’s lithium-ion battery, with its unique chemistry and prismatic or “pancake” shape cell design, is roughly half the size and weight of its nickel-metal hydride counterpart, which equates to approximately twice the available power and energy density. These characteristics make lithium-ion an ideal component for the electric and hybrid vehicles being produced or planned by virtually every major automobile manufacturer. For more information on EnerDel’s differentiating characteristics, please click here. EnerDel

The Future

The technology being developed by EnerDel for the automotive industry is likely to be beneficial to various other industries. Beyond automotive, Ener1 is exploring opportunities in the military and aerospace sectors, as well as in stationary storage with both commercial and consumer applications.