[scottf200]

China's Wanxiang Saves American Battery Maker A123, Takes 80% Stake In Company
http://insideevs.com/chinas-wanxiang-saves-american-battery-maker-a123-takes-80-stake-in-company/

Struggling US battery maker A123 has dramatically avoided the perils of bankruptcy by signing a non-binding MoU (memorandum of understanding ) with China’s Wanxiang Group Corp, the largest auto parts maker in that country (think Magna as a US-based comparison).

The deal will see Wanxiang take up 80% control of the company by year’s end in exchange for an investment of up to $450 million dollars.

This is good news if you are interested in the upcoming Chevrolet Spark EV, and were concerned about A123's ability to deliver lithium packs for that car when it gois into production in 2013.

Fisker Automotive can also breath a sigh of relief that their battery maker for the Karma and upcoming Atlantic is not going anywhere.
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[dennis]

I would assume this transaction will require approval from the DOE, since the loans under Alternative Vehicle Technologies program carry severe restrictions about financing and foreign investments.

 

[scottf200]

a123-updates-next-gen-nanophosphate-ext-batteries-solves-lithium-battery-heat-issues
http://insideevs.com/a123-updates-next-gen-nanophosphate-ext-batteries-solves-lithium-battery-heat-issues/

Just to repeat, that is 167 degrees Fahrenheit they are testing these pack ats; hotter than any recorded temperature on Earth. And under these extreme condition, after 700 full cycles, the pack is still retaining 90% of life.

In “LEAF miles” that would be 90%retnetion after 50,400 clicks, in 167 degree weather.

The competition, which is clearly the LMO (lithium manganese oxide) cells found in the Chevy Volt and Nissan LEAF, faired much worse, losing over a third of their capacity. It should also be noted that drop off on the curve for ‘the competitor’ is extreme even at 65% left.

And low temperatures? A123 has got that covered too:

“In low-temperature testing, a battery built with A123’s Nanophosphate EXT cells is delivering up to as many as 1,200A at minus 18 degrees Celsius. This effectively eliminates the only performance advantage of absorbent glass mat (AGM) lead acid batteries (which deliver approximately 800A at minus 18 degrees Celsius) for micro hybrid vehicles and improves the total cost of ownership (TCO) of A123’s 12V Engine Start battery versus AGM. “

Even more important than lab results is real world production. A123, now flush with Chinese capitol, see volume production in the first half of 2013.