lithium-ion

GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi and Bosch have set up Lithium Energy and Power GmbH & Co– a joint venture to develop next generation lithium-ion batteries.

The group has ambitious plans to double the energy capacity of batteries within the next decade for the electric vehicle market. 

Advanced lithium-ion battery makers are in line to obtain some bargains as machinery that cost in excess of $40m new goes up for private treaty sale, according to Chris Hillseth of Hillseth Enterprises.

California-based Hillseth has made a business from disposing of advanced technology plants from the pharmaceutical, electronics and now the battery sector.

Hillseth told BBB that some of the equipment was “as good as new” and hardly used.

Was the sale a consequence of recent lithium maker bankruptcies in the USA, BBB asked?

“The recent events in the industry are not necessarily a projection of the future. The potential is definitely out there, locally and internationally, as we have already received inquiries from within the US. This particular equipment is from Canada,” Hillseth said.

For more information contact: http://chrishillsethenterprises.com/home.php

Samsung Ventures Investment Corporation has invested in the Michigan, US, -based graphene engineering company.

The lithium-ion giant is providing XG Sciences with investment as part of a funding round to further the company’s R&D efforts. The terms of the investment have not been disclosed.

Chinese e-bike production tipped 35m in 2013, including 2.6m lithium-ion battery powered bikes, an increase of 80% compared to 1.67m in 2012.

 The cost of a lithium-ion e-bike battery is 1000RMB ($160), which is double the price of a lead-acid battery. This has been an obstacle for sales in the past, however the crackdown on lead producers has given momentum to lithium-ion.

For 2014 lithium-ion demand is expected to increase to 90% and gradually replace lead in e-bikes in the coming years.

Semiconductor developer, STMicroelectronics, has brought out a new integrated circuit (IC) that uses a thermo-electric generator to power electronic circuits and recharge batteries.

The IC uses ambient light or thermal energy to power small electronic devices such as wireless sensors, smart-building and industrial equipment controls.