Rhodin's solar car wins award Aug 29, 2009
Spirits were high even amid the need to run the races inside on battery packs. Student teams competed for Speed and three design awards Craftsmanship, Innovation, and Technical Merit. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Repairing a hybrid doesn't have to cost a lot Aug 26, 2009
New 100 percent electric vehicles by Chevrolet, Chrysler, Nissan and Mini will have lithium battery packs that cost more than 10,000. A battery pack's limited shelf life means a fully electric or even a gas-electric hybrid might not be the best choice for a retiree planning to drive 3,000 miles a year for 20 years and then pass the vehicle down to a favorite grandchild. (Atlantic News-Telegraph, IO)
Toyota to cut production capacity at Japan factory Aug 26, 2009
GM to assemble Volt battery packs in Michigan. General Motors Co. chief Fritz Henderson says a new $43 million plant in Michigan will assemble battery packs for the company's upcoming rechargeable electric car, as the automaker continues relying on suppliers for key elements of the batteries. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Report: Honda to sell electric cars in US Aug 22, 2009
GM to assemble Volt battery packs in Michigan. General Motors Co. chief Fritz Henderson says a new $43 million plant in Michigan will assemble battery packs for the company 00003EA9 's upcoming rechargeable electric car, as the automaker continues relying on suppliers for key elements of the batteries. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Motor City's Commercial Property Market Ailing Aug 15, 2009
GM got a chunk of that and this week announced it would begin assembling battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt, the company's upcoming rechargeable electric car, in Brownstown Township about 21 miles from Detroit. "We start building prototypes of the battery early next year, so that we're ready to supply batteries for the Volt when it starts going into production in November of next year," said GM spokeswoman Susan Garavaglia. (ABC News -- Wire)
VIDEO from Medialink and General Motors: First U.S. Automotive Lithium Ion Battery Plant to Open Aug 15, 2009
In an effort to deliver more fuel efficient vehicles to American drivers, GM is investing $43 million to manufacture lithium ion battery packs for its extended-range electric vehicles. See video from General Motors at. (PR Newswire)
Battery powered: GM picks factory Aug 14, 2009
--- General Motors Co. chief Fritz Henderson says a new $43 million plant in Michigan will assemble battery packs for the company's upcoming rechargeable electric car, as the automaker continues relying on suppliers for key elements of the batteries. GM's president and chief executive held a news conference Thursday morning at the plant site in Brownstown Township, 20 miles southwest of Detroit. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Alex Ramon's career goes 'Zing Zang Zoom' Aug 13, 2009
He slides the first of three battery packs into his pockets, nudges his earpiece in and tapes a microphone to his left cheek. He reaches for his magic cart, and just before leaving the dressing room, slips a Sharpie into his glittery vest. (San Francisco Chronicle)
GM to Assemble Volt Battery Packs in Brownstown Aug 13, 2009
General Motors confirms it will assemble Volt battery packs at new southeast Michigan factory ... General Motors Co. has confirmed it will assemble battery packs for its new rechargeable electric car at a new factory in southeastern Michigan ... GM says in a statement the factory "will produce the lithium ion battery packs for GM's future extended-range electrical vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt.". (ABC News -- Wire)
Wi-Fi coming to a plane near you - someday Aug 10, 2009
However, the line's planes do not have power outlets, so travelers on longer flights should schlep extra battery packs. -- American has installed Gogo on all 767-200 flights (mainly used for Flagship transcontinental services) and select MD80s, with installation on the line's 737s coming soon. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Batteries Plus to open in Miamisburg Aug 7, 2009
The Miamisburg location also provides equipment and expertise to assemble, test, condition and re-build custom battery packs for rechargeable household and commercial products. They also offer custom in-house battery assembly, rebuild battery packs and recycle lead-based batteries. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Valence doesn't make DOE list of funding recipients Aug 7, 2009
"Valence submitted its application requesting 225 million in federal grant funds over a three-year period and plans to fund the remaining 359.4 million (61.5 percent of the total project costs) through state and local tax and other incentives. The city of Leander, Williamson County and the Leander ISD have also offered 50 percent property tax abatements that total nearly 92 million over he next 10 years."Potentially it's a 760 million project with real estate acquisition and its improvements,... (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
EPA announces Florida project Aug 6, 2009
Administrator Lisa Jackson appeared at the in St. Petersburg Wednesday to announce the construction of a plant in Jacksonville to manufacture lithium-ion cells, modules and battery packs for military, industrial and agricultural vehicles. Inc., a division of Saft, a designer and manufacturer of high-tech batteries headquartered in Bagnolet, France, will receive a $95. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Grants fuel work toward electric cars Aug 6, 2009
Recipients include Johnson Controls Inc., of Milwaukee, $299 million to build battery packs and cells for hybrid vehicles at a facility in Holland, Mich. General Motors Co., $241 million to produce battery packs and develop electric drive vehicles in Michigan and Maryland; and Ford Motor Co., $92. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Cecil-Bound Manufacturer Gets $95 Million Aug 6, 2009
Saft America, Inc. is planning to produce of lithium-ion cells, modules, and battery packs for industrial, military and agricultural vehicles and storage of renewable energy. Company executives said the $200 million plant could employ up to 800 workers within three years. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Battery makers seek sparks from stimulus Aug 4, 2009
The federal government has provided San Carlos-based with a $465 million loan, some of which will support the manufacture of Tesla s electric vehicle battery packs. The U.S. Department of Energy has indicated that it will make decisions about battery funding within the next few weeks. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Nissan's New Leaf: An Electric Car and Charging Stations Too Aug 4, 2009
to Singapore to establish charging networks and promote what it calls "zero-emission mobility." In the U.S., Nissan and its French partner, Renault, are joining forces with Better Place, which is developing a system of EV service stations where battery packs can be quickly replaced instead of recharged, making "fill-ups" no more time-consuming than topping up fuel tanks with gas ... The lithium-ion batteries that power the Leaf are expensive about $10,000 per car so Nissan is leasing battery... (Time.com)
* Nissan unveils its first fully electric model Aug 3, 2009
There is only the quiet, efficient power provided by our own lithium-ion battery packs, he said. The price was not announced but Ghosn said it would be very competitive. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Some manufacturers find California cheaper than China Jul 28, 2009
That s precisely what Motors looked at when the San Carlos electric car maker opted to ship assembly of its battery packs from a pilot plant in Thailand to California ... Is it more expensive in some respects in real estate and labor to assemble battery packs in the U.S. compared to some other overseas markets. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
World Museum of Mining hosts summer entertainment series Jul 27, 2009
"They are fitted with hard hats and battery packs with a light," Green said. The tours are offered three times a day and may be purchased separately or as part of a museum admission fee package. (Montana Standard, MT)
Nissan Hedges Bet on Electric Cars, Waiting for `Emerging Market' to Grow Jul 22, 2009
Current costs for lithium-ion battery packs that can propel a car 100 miles (160 kilometers) are as much as $30,000, and may fall to about $15,000 by 2015 as production techniques improve, said , president of Advanced Automotive Batteries, a consulting firm in Oregon House, California ... An economic , this month predicted electric vehicles will make up 64 percent of U.S. sales by 2030, assuming prices are held down by letting drivers lease battery packs that can be readily switched. (Bloomberg)
Detroit suburb likely location for new General Motors battery plant Jul 18, 2009
General Motors Corp. will assemble battery packs for its new rechargeable electric car at a facility south of Detroit ... DETROIT General Motors Corp. will assemble battery packs for its new rechargeable electric car at a facility south of Detroit, creating about 100 jobs, two people briefed on the plans said Friday ... The factory will assemble the battery packs using battery cells shipped to the U.S. from Korea. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry Jul 17, 2009
The Transit Connect will be available with either of two lithium-ion battery packs, a 21 kilowatt-hour pack or a 28 kWh pack. The first will offer a driving range of about 70 miles and the second will go about 100 miles, he said, and the vehicle will have a top speed of 70 mph. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Tesla Motors gets Abu Dhabi investment Jul 16, 2009
In the meantime, Tesla is focusing on selling the Roadster and is working on a project supplying battery packs and chargers for Daimler's smart brand. Tesla is scheduled to open a dealership in New York on Thursday, its third dealership in the U.S. and its first outside of California. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Added interest in Tesla as UAE firm buys stake Jul 14, 2009
In the mean time, Tesla is focusing on selling the Roadster and is working on a project supplying battery packs and chargers for Daimler's smart brand. Tesla is scheduled to open a dealership in New York on Thursday, its third dealership in the U.S. and its first outside of California. (Anchorage Daily News)
Hope vs. hype: Chasing after green jobs Jul 9, 2009
" Like Electric Motors Corp., Azure is seeking stimulus money to further develop hybrid systems, according to chief operating officer Curt Huston. Hybrid RVs? "That's very interesting to us," he said. Fast cars a path to hybridsCashen, for his part, took a roundabout path to the hybrid field. He graduated from Penn High in Mishawaka, then spent much of his career around cars, usually fast ones: servicing, racing and selling Porsches in Germany and the United States. He later founded and... (MSNBC -- Environment)
A model of a renewable energy station by The Green Roadway Project. Jul 9, 2009
"Fein explained that the compact solar, wind and geothermal stations that would line the roadways will be able to store energy in battery packs and will be mounted in different configurations to maximize their utility, depending on different roadway specifications. Passing vehicles, as well as atmospheric conditions, literally create wind tunnels that will generate electricity."For someplace like Malibu, along PCH, panels would be mounted at different heights," Fein explained. "Both ocean and... (Malibu Times, CA)
PhoneSuit's iPhone Friendly Portable Projector Jul 1, 2009
Meanwhile, a non-projector company may be first to actually market a pico projector as a bona-fide mobile accessory: , the iPhone accessory company generally known for protective cases, Bluetooth headsets, and battery packs, has announced the PhoneSuit MiLi Pro a handheld video projector for use with the and line. Due out in September 2009, the PhoneSuit MiLi Pro has been optimized for pairing with an iPhone. (BusinessWeek)
GM's plant decision brings Tennessee uncertainty Jun 27, 2009
6 billion federal loan to build electric cars and battery packs to power them at its Tennessee assembly complex. In Wisconsin, officials are left to discuss options for the GM-owned plant and its 4 million square feet of space. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Fed loans give efficient vehicles a big push Jun 25, 2009
6 billion to make electric cars and battery packs in Smyrna, Tenn ... Tesla had already agreed to supply battery packs for Daimler's new Smart electric minicars ... -- Open a Bay Area facility to make electric powertrains and battery packs. (San Francisco Chronicle)
U.S. lends $8B to Ford, Nissan, Tesla for energy-efficient cars Jun 25, 2009
The rest will be used later for a plant in Northern California to make battery packs and electric drivetrains to be used in other carmakers' vehicles. More U.S. jobs are a goal of the program, along with greener vehicles, said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. (USA Today -- Autos)
Ford, Nissan, Tesla to receive U.S. loans Jun 24, 2009
plant to produce zero-emissions vehicles and build a new facility to produce lithium-ion battery packs. The Japanese company has previously outlined plans to develop an all-electric car with 100 miles of pure battery range for release in late 2010. (MSNBC -- Business)
US to loan $5.9 bln to Ford, $1.6 bln to Nissan Jun 24, 2009
Nissan will use the loans to modify its Tennessee plant to produce zero-emissions electric vehicles and the lithium-ion battery packs to power them. With this loan, "Nissan expects to cut the costs of its batteries in half and ramp up production of 150,000 American-made competitively priced electric vehicles annually," Chu said. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Tesla Roadster Costs Drop Jun 23, 2009
He said says the drop in costs is a result of cheaper battery packs and supply chain improvements. In addition, Musk says the San Carlos, Calif. (KWTX.com, TX)
Tesla brings down production cost of Roadster Jun 23, 2009
Musk said a key step toward lowering the costs was moving production of the vehicle's battery packs from a factory in Asia to the San Carlos, Calif ... In addition, moving production of the heavy and bulky battery packs significantly lowered the company's shipping costs, he said. (MSNBC -- Business)
iPhone 3G S Accessories Jun 20, 2009
Instead of adding a lot of unattractive bulk to your iPhone with add-on battery packs, the Juice Pack Air is a protective case with an added built-in battery pack. The Juice Pack Air adds very little size and weight to iPhone 3G S but is capable of doubling the device's regular battery life. (IGN Gear)
Olympus EP-1 DSLR Quality in a Digi... Jun 19, 2009
For serous users and travelers spare battery packs are a solution to this problem. Image Stabilization. (Suite101.com)
Unique 'solar torch' to light Senior Games in Palo Alto Jun 19, 2009
Elongated battery packs and computer boards were specially developed to fit into the torch's handle. The Li-polymer batteries have a charge of approximately 1. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Leander's ‘Segway' to the future Jun 5, 2009
The facility expects to produce 660,000 battery packs, or more than one million kilowatt hours (kWh) of equivalent available energy, and can be online as early as August 2012. This grant application is a separate request from the company's March loan application under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program (ATVMIP). (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
BREAKING NEWS: Proposed facility in Leander to provide 4,000 jobs May 29, 2009
The annual production capacity of the proposed facility is estimated to be 660,000 battery packs or more than one million kilowatt hours (kWh) of equivalent available energy and can be online as early as August 2012 ... The company's proposed facility would manufacture lithium phosphate cathode material, high-capacity advanced cells and battery packs for electric drive vehicles and other applications. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
'Electric Car Guy' Has Been On The Energy-Efficiency Case For 40 Years May 28, 2009
Rice is bringing them back to life, loading them up with massive battery packs that will soon power their wheels. Rice is no mere tinkerer the inner workings of his personal car, a black '89 Jetta, are intricately connected to a group of lead-acid batteries that generate nearly 100 volts. (FOX61, CT)
Valence wants to build major plant in Leander May 28, 2009
The company s proposed facility would manufacture lithium phosphate cathode material, high-capacity advanced cells and battery packs for electric drive vehicles and other uses ... The proposed facility s production capacity will be about 660,000 battery packs or more than one million kilowatt hours (kWh) of equivalent available energy and can be online as early as August 2012, Valence official said. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Daimler Buys Stake In Tesla May 20, 2009
The move follows Daimler's recent purchase of Tesla's lithium-ion battery packs and chargers for the first 1,000 electric Smart cars, which Daimler hopes to introduce next year. Daimler rolled out the gasoline-powered versions of Smart cars in January 2008 in the United States. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Repairs give Hubble new life May 19, 2009
They equipped Hubble with six fresh nickel-hydrogen batteries, replacing two sapped battery packs that powered the observatory since its launch in April 1990. They installed six new gyroscopes, three protective thermal blankets, a refurbished fine guidance sensor and a docking mechanism that will enable a robotic spacecraft to latch onto Hubble and propel it into the Pacific Ocean at the end of its life. (Florida Today)
HP Notebook Computer Batteries May 15, 2009
The battery packs were also sold separately for between $100 and $160. Manufactured in: China. (W-USA News, DC)
Audiovox Corporation Reports Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results May 15, 2009
Among the lines marketed by Audiovox are its mobile electronics products including mobile video systems, auto sound systems including satellite radio, vehicle security and remote start systems; consumer electronics products such as MP3 players, digital camcorders, DVRs, clock radios, portable DVD players, extended range two-way radios, multimedia products like digital picture frames and home and portable stereos; consumer electronics accessories such as indoor/outdoor antennas, connectivity... (PR Newswire)
CHAT TRANSCRIPT: What is a fun little convertible? May 9, 2009
Having that kind of secondary market for the batteries should keep consumer costs down because you won't be on the hook for the entire cost and disposal of the battery packs ... Columbus, OH: Hi Jim, what accounts for the descrepancy between the Volt's 40 miles per charge and the Nissan's 100 miles per charge on battery packs with similar capacities. (USA Today -- Money)
Indiana Senator Evan Bayh to Cut Ribbon on First Mass Manufacturing Line in the U.S. for Lithium-Ion Automotive Batteries at EnerDel Plant May 7, 2009
May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Senator Evan Bayh will attend as honored guest a ceremony marking the commissioning of the country's first commercial-scale production line for lithium-ion automotive battery packs, the key energy component for next-generation electric cars and hybrids, at EnerDel on Friday, May 8, at 12:00 noon. Senator Bayh, an active supporter in Washington of electrifying American automotive transportation, will cut the ribbon on the new installation at EnerDel, which is the... (PR Newswire)
Energizer Induction Charger Review May 3, 2009
Unfortunately, we can't attest to the overall longevity of the battery packs, as NiMH batteries take months or even years to wear down depending on use. Still, given our experiences thus far with the charger, the Energizer Induction Charging System definitely seems well-constructed and built to last. (IGN Gear)
Drivers could get a charge out of Chevrolet Volt May 1, 2009
Volt is as close as the modern auto industry has come to "making it up as we go along." The car's lithium-ion battery packs remain under intense development and testing. GM is betting it will know everything it needs to by the time the showroom-ready chassis, body and drivetrain come together next year. (USA Today -- Autos)
Face value: Electric evangelist May 1, 2009
Better Place will build networks of recharging points, plus battery-swapping stations along motorways that will, in effect, enable customers to recharge their cars in minutes in order to travel further than the 160km (100-mile) range of their cars battery packs. All this will be a highly profitable business, says Mr Agassi: the low cost of electricity compared with fossil fuels will leave Better Place plenty of room for arbitrage, and customers will still end up paying less per kilometre. (The Economist)
Prototype hybrid to be tested at Bayport Apr 17, 2009
The prototype vehicle has a 40 horsepower generator that produces electricity which is stored in battery packs, Roberts says. The truck s motor is propelled entirely by electricity, which is produced not only by the generator but also during braking and by plugging the vehicle into an electrical outlet when not in use. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Join our car community: From auto shows to auto advice Apr 8, 2009
A123 will make the battery packs for Chrysler's wave of electric vehicles at a new plant in Michigan. The first will hit the streets in 2010, says Lou Rhodes, vice president of advanced vehicle engineering for Chrysler. (USA Today -- Money)
Artificial Pump Effectively Backs Up Failing Hearts Apr 5, 2009
Because it is powered by portable battery packs, patients usually go home while they wait for a heart transplant. The LVAD used in this study, the VentrAssist, is termed a third-generation heart assist device. (Science Daily)
Eco cars from Hyundai Apr 3, 2009
South Korea's LG Chem, which is set to supply battery packs to the Volt, will be the sole provider of batteries for the Hyundai hybrid. The recent rise in the won is unlikely to pose any threat to the group as it has not made plans based on the currency's weakness, Yang said. (India Times)
Tesla's Electric Car for the (Well-Off) Masses Apr 2, 2009
Model S battery packs will be easier to remove, so long-distance drivers may one day be able to stop at repair shops and borrow a fully charged pack. Musk hopes to open 40 shops each in the U.S., Europe, and Asia over the next few years. (BusinessWeek)
Newsweek: Why Detroit must go electric Apr 1, 2009
General Motors plans to make lithium-ion battery packs to power the Chevy Volt, which is expected to earn a fuel-economy rating of more than 100 miles per gallon from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As Ford celebrates the sale of the 100,000th hybrid Escape, it is preparing for the introduction of a full line of new hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. (MSNBC -- Business)
Tesla lets sparks fly Mar 28, 2009
The futuristic zero-emission vehicle will be powered by lithium-ion battery packs capable of traveling between 257 and 482 kilometres per charge. The car has an anticipated base price of $57400 but will cost less than $50000 after a federal tax credit of $7500, Musk said. (iAfrica.com)
Five Inventions That Will Change Your Life Mar 28, 2009
Sadoway hopes someday to wire battery packs together to create a system big enough to meet the demands of New York City, MIT Technology Review reported. But producing the 13,000 megawatts roughly the city's peak demand would require a network that covered more than 70,000 square yards. (Fox News)
$4,100 grant will provide OMS students new science options Mar 28, 2009
"There are many possibilities for wheel configurations and arm designs, depending on what you want the robot to do. The possibilities for use of these robots is endless in the field of science, technology and math." The kits include light, touch, ultrasonic and sound sensors and can have up to three motors that run by rechargeable battery packs. "These robots can be taken apart and rebuilt in a new design, making it easy for students to use them year after year," explains Satre. (Ogden Reporter, IA)
Tesla unveils groundbreaking electric car Mar 27, 2009
The futuristic zero-emission vehicle will be powered by lithium-ion battery packs capable of traveling between 160 and 300 miles (257 and 482 kilometers) per charge. The car has an anticipated base price of 57,400 dollars but will cost less than 50,000 after a federal tax credit of 7,500 dollars, Musk said. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Tesla unveils plug-in sedan with 300-mile range Mar 27, 2009
The Model S would have a choice of three battery packs, with the most deluxe affording a 300-mile range. They can be recharged from a standard household outlet but would juice up faster at 220- or 480-volt outlets. (USA Today -- Money)
Nissan teams with San Diego utility on electric car charging Mar 24, 2009
Nissan plans to launch zero emission vehicles powered by lithium-ion battery packs in the United States in 2010 and market the vehicles globally two years after the U.S. launch. The automaker has said the cruising range for its first generation of electric cars could be 100 miles, but the company would look to boost that to near 200 miles with a second-generation battery pack. (USA Today -- Autos)
Will NPR Save the News? Mar 19, 2009
The A team of editors and producers will arrive the night before and sleep in cots on-premises, while reporters take up positions around D.C. in subfreezing temperatures, to go live at 5 a.m. Remote broadcasting units will be powered with battery packs stuck inside insulated pizza boxes, heated with chemical hand warmers. The rambunctious room quiets when the silver-haired editorial director delivers his Hill Street Blues speech: Be careful out there. (FastCompany)
Next Chapter in the Silicon Valey vs. Detroit Saga: Chapter 11? Mar 17, 2009
Tesla, for example, wants to sell its battery packs and chargers to larger automakers (it has a for a test fleet with Daimler) and Fisker the small gas engine, and possibly other components, for its plug-in hybrid Karma from GM. And, as Siry notes, the very same suppliers that have historically worked with Detroit s automakers are now entering deals to supply startups with driveshafts, transmissions, interiors, suspensions and electronics. While General Motors expects to beat out competition... (Salon)
