A123Systems

A123Systems is a supplier of high-power Lithium-Ion batteries. Founded in 2001, A123Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The company has over 1,100 employees.

Major investors in the privately held company include General Electric, Alliance Capital, Sequoia Capital, [http://northbridge.com/ North Bridge Venture Partners] , CMEA Ventures, FA Technology Ventures, OnPoint, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Motorola, Qualcomm, and Procter & Gamble, through its Duracell division.

History

In November 2005, A123Systems announced [http://www.a123systems.com/html/news/articles/051102_news.html] a new higher power, faster recharging lithium ion battery system [ [http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/11/a123systems_lau.html#more Green Car Congress: A123Systems Launches New Higher-Power, Faster Recharging Li-Ion Battery Systems ] ] [ [http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/gridable-hybrids/message/2099 Yahoo! Groups ] ] based on doped Nanophosphate materials licensed from MIT.

The company mass produces a variety of cells being used in DeWalt power tools, aviation engine start, hybrid buses, hybrid vehicles, EV's and PHEV conversions.

In December 2006, A123Systems was awarded a $15 million development contract by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), an organization composed of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation. USABC awarded the contract in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to optimize the A123Systems proprietary doped Nanophosphate battery technology for hybrid electric vehicle applications with a focus on systems that are high-power, abuse-tolerant, long lasting and cost effective.

On February 26 2007, President of A123Systems David Vieau met with President George W. Bush and Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman at the White House to inspect a Battery Range Extender Module that can be easily installed in the spare tire well of most hybrid vehicles. This would enable current production models to become plug-in hybrids capable of achieving 150 or more miles per gallon and optionally replace the discharged battery in the module, instead of recharging it, to extend the range.

On May 2007, BAE Systems announced that, starting in 2008, it will offer A123Systems' lithium ion battery technology as part of its HybriDrive Propulsion System used in the 2008 version of the Daimler Orion VII hybrid buses.

On August 2007, General Motors announced plans to co-develop lithium-ion battery cells for the Chevrolet Volt with A123Systems.

On August 2008, the Company filed a registration statement for a proposed initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission

Uses

There are a number of companies using A123Systems high power batteries including:

Power Tools

Black & Decker is currently using batteries made by A123Systems in its VPX product line. See http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=20570&ch=specialsections&sc=batteries&pg=3 Fact|date=August 2008

Dewalt uses A123Systems batteries in its professional heavy-duty power tools. The 36-volt power tools provide users with increased levels of power and runtime, at a similar or less weight than their corded counterparts. The line includes a hammerdrill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, impact wrench, rotary hammer, jigsaw, flashlight and combo kits. The cells are also used in the company's 28 V professional product line as well as the newly introduced 18V NANO powertools which offers a large number of compatible tools.Fact|date=August 2008

The number of batteries A123Systems currently manufactures for use in power tools is equivalent to more than 100,000 hybrid vehicles.when

Vehicles

A123Systems cells have garnered considerable interest in the automotive market due to their unique combination of power, safety and life. Several automakers and heavy duty vehicle manufacturers are developing vehicles using A123Systems cells.

* Killacycle, the worlds quickest EV capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-60MPH) in less than 1 second.
* Chevrolet Volt -- A123Systems, in partnership with Germany's Continental AG, is one of two remaining teams in the running to provide the batteries for the GM Volt extended-range EV program.cite news
last = Voelcker
first = John
title = Battery Czar
pages = 32-37
publisher = IEEE Spectrum
date = 2008-08
url =
accessdate = 2008-08-09]
* Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid development program
* Daimler Buses North America (Orion VII). The number one selling hybrid electric bus in the world. Currently operating in New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Dallas and other major cities.
*Venture Vehicles VentureOne
*Th!nk

See also

* Chevrolet Volt
* FreedomCAR
* Hymotion, PHEV company owned by A123 Systems
* Silicon Valley Leadership Group

References

http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=20570&ch=specialsections&sc=batteries&pg=3

External links

* [http://www.A123systems.com Official website]
* [http://www.a123racing.com A123Racing, Safe high power batteries for RC vehicles.]
* [http://www.a123systems.ru A123 RC-Forum, RC models with a123.]