Argonne to advise battery alliance

Lithium ion batteries are anticipated to replace gasoline as a major source of energy in future cars and military vehicles.  Today, United States automobile manufacturers and defense contractors depend upon foreign suppliers—increasingly concentrated in Asia—for lithium ion battery cells.

Now, a coalition of more than fourteen companies has announced the creation of a new business alliance aimed at promoting U.S. production of lithium ion batteries. The newly formed National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Battery Cell Manufacture is based in Chicago. Argonne National Laboratory will serve in an advisory role as the Alliance begins operations.

The founding members of the Alliance include 3M, ActaCell, All Cell Technologies, Altair Nanotechnologies, Dontech Global, EaglePicher Corporation, EnerSys, Envia Systems, FMC, MicroSun Technologies, Mobius Power, SiLyte, Superior Graphite, and Townsend Advanced Energy. Additional battery developers and materials suppliers are anticipated to join.

The Alliance seeks to develop one or more manufacturing and prototype development centers in the United States, which will be shared by Alliance members.  The Alliance will be a public-private partnership, with funding support expected from both the government and the private sector.

Lithium ion battery cell manufacture is heavily subsidized in many countries. Says Ralph Brodd, a longtime consultant to battery manufacturers, “Other countries are investing heavily in the manufacture of lithium ion cells.  Those countries understand that whoever makes the batteries will one day make the cars.”

The Alliance hopes to level the playing field.

December 2008