A123 Systems Inks Battery Deal With Chrysler: A123 had been in the running to supply batteries for the Volt, but lost out on that. But they're back in the game and have a deal with Chrysler.
Chrysler said it plans to put A123's battery technology in its first-generation plug-in hybrid and all-electric car, but it didn't say specifically which models. The carmaker announced last September an ambitious plan to launch an all-electric, sporty Dodge Circuit, plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler and a plug-in hybrid Town & Country minivan (see Chrysler Eyes 2010 for Launch of One of Three Electric Cars).
With General Motors Snub, Is A123 Systems on the Ropes?: "Two years ago, battery maker A123 Systems seemed to have it all... Today, the future looks a little murkier. General Motors said it will build its own batteries for the Chevy Volt, coming out late next year, and that it will get the lithium-ion cells for the battery from a coalition head up by LG Chem."
GM Chooses LG Chem to Supply Chevy Volt’s Lithium-ion Batteries and Will Build the Packs Themselves:
Technology Review has an article Why Chrysler Chose A123 Batteries: The automaker wanted U.S.-based manufacturing and a flexible battery design.
- David Herron, The Long Tail Pipe, davidherron.com, 7gen.com, What is Reiki
Is the Volt actually going to use the "old" Li-ion (cobalt) cell chemistry instead of a safer, less toxic chemistry?
Does their Battery (assembled in the US but using cells made in Korea) really count as a "Made in USA" battery?
Is there projected Volt performance (X range at Y mph under Z conditions)?
Is the 40 miles on batteries at 25 mph, no hills, and no stops and starts for traffic?
After the battery is "exhausted", how far will the Volt go at 70 mph?
Will it keep up with fast freeway traffic when going up hills?
Cheers, Gary
XM-5000Li, wired for cell voltage measuring and logging.