A123Systems Announces Patent Issuance for Nanophosphate™ Lithium Ion Battery Technology
Innovative materials development enables new generation of products
WATERTOWN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A123Systems, developer and producer of Nanophosphate™ lithium ion batteries, today announced that U.S. patent 7,338,734 entitled “Conductive Lithium Storage Electrode” has been granted, adding to one of the industry’s most comprehensive high-power lithium ion patent portfolios. This landmark patent protects A123’s unique Nanophosphate™ battery technology, which offers an advanced combination of power, safety and life.
The capabilities of the Nanophosphate system have enabled a new class of lithium ion battery applications, thus spurring development of next-generation products in a variety of industries. The application of Nanophosphate technology was introduced in DeWalt and Black and Decker power tool lines, which established a new level of portable power tool performance. The technology is now enabling the use of lithium ion batteries in automotive applications, such as hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), extended-range (E-REV), and pure electric vehicles (EV).
“A growing number of companies have now recognized the many advantages of A123’s Nanophosphate batteries and have developed products around their capabilities,” said Dave Vieau, CEO of A123Systems. “The award of this patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is recognition of the leading-edge innovation on which our batteries are based.”
A123Systems has filed over 160 US and international patents and has raised $148 million to develop the Nanophosphate technology since its discovery at MIT. To commercialize the technology and develop new products, the company has grown to over 850 employees globally, with facilities in Massachusetts, Michigan, Canada, China, and Korea.
Bart Riley, CTO and Vice President of R&D, added, “This key patent recognizes the seminal work at MIT that was the foundation of A123. Our current team of 191 engineers and 58 scientists will continue to innovate and push the boundaries of energy storage technology strengthening our position in the industry.”
About A123Systems
A123Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power lithium ion batteries. The company’s patented Nanophosphate™ technology enables its batteries to deliver a previously unattainable combination of power, safety and life. Applicable to a wide range of industries, A123Systems’ products remove many traditional technology constraints to provide OEMs expanded flexibility in system design. With world-class expertise and management, global manufacturing operations and one of the largest automotive lithium ion R&D teams, A123Systems and its Automotive Class Lithium Ion™ products are accelerating the automotive movement towards platform electrification. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Massachusetts, A123Systems’ proprietary Nanophosphate technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com.
These patents don't do us any good at all. In this age, when "antitrust" is a forbidden word. I suspect that liFePO4's will become increasingly unavailable to anyone other than a large corporation.
We better grab up those semi-affordable Chinese cells before they are declared pirated goods.
I don't know enough about the patent issues - but there is some kind of corporate struggle going on related to the patents, and some have said A123Systems and Valence and a couple others don't have sufficient patent protection against PHOSTECH. I suspect this announcement is A123's salvo saying that they're still in the game.
I looked at the A123 site and see for their larger format cells that if you're some kind of volume purchaser then you can contact their sales line. I suppose that means if someone wanted to get into business building and selling a battery pack for EV use they could call A123 as a possible supplier. But A123 isn't going to sell cells to individuals.
- David Herron, The Long Tail Pipe, davidherron.com, 7gen.com, What is Reiki
Actually, although it's not necessarily a good thing for us, I can't see why any of these companies would want to sell to individuals. I mean this is at present technology to be used in mass produced products...i.e. EVs...on a "massive scale." I mean why would selling to individuals even be a thought for them. If they are/become major suppliers to various auto manufacturers, etc. other large manufacturers...why would selling to an individual even be a consideration????
I firmly believe whoever becomes a supplier to the first really, really successful EV manufacturer (meaning auto) that market alone will make them zillions of dollars!
Gushar
Gus
Yeah, I agree :(
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.