The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Events News

The crisis is still noticeable at the NAIAS 2010. Major car companies do not hold press conferences or even show up at all. However, a new focus on electric vehicles is obvious in featured areas and also the suppliers change over to electric. cars21.com will illuminate new deals and technologies from A123 systems, PEP stations and DENSO. (+image galleries)

 A123 Systems: Batteries for 24,000 Fisker PHEVs

Lithium-ion battery pack manufacturer A123 Systems revealed during the NAIAS 2010 that it had signed a deal to supply power packs for the Fisker Karma. As part of the deal, the Boston-based company also plans to invest around €16 million ($23 million) in a funding round for Fisker Automotive. As reported by Reuters the announcement of the closely watched supply deal came just a day after EnerDel had said it had broken off talks with Fisker to be its battery supplier for the Karma.

It is expected that the expansion will increase A123's production capacity by 18 percent and give it the annual ability to supply batteries for about 24,000 plug-in hybrids like the Karma. After having received a €170 million ($249 million) grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, A123 Systems is expanding a battery cell plant and building a coating facility in Michigan with a goal of raising capacity enough to produce 320,000 hybrid-vehicle battery systems.

PEP Stations: EV charging stations 110V and 220V

PEP Stations, LLC, unveiled their made in Michigan electrical vehicle charging stations aimed at building a solid charging infrastructure as the electric vehicle market begins to grow. PEP Stations (Plug-in Electric Power) offers two different models, one with 110V charging station and another one with 220V. Both models have an automatic plug-out detection, card reader and a touch-screen whereas the first model offers AC charging power of 1.5kw (12Amp, 120V) and the 220V model 7.2kw (30Amp, 240V).

Similar to a standard fuel pump, the PEP Station allows drivers of electric vehicles to access electricity via an access card or credit card. After having accepted the price per hour of connectivity, the station then asks the user to select the amount of charging time required and will begin charging or ask for a credit card to be swiped for authorization. When the vehicle’s battery has been fully charged, or the time selected elapses, the station automatically discontinues the electricity.

DENSO: Monitor unit for li-ion batteries

The supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components has developed its first battery monitoring unit for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. Denso’s new product, using a newly-developed voltage control method, is already installed in Toyota’s Prius plug-in hybrid introduced last year.

According to Japan’s Denso Corporation the product is cheaper to produce compared with voltage control devices used in laptop computers and other hardware. The monitoring unit which uses a simpler voltage control circuit can discharge the lithium-ion battery when its power fluctuates and reaches higher voltages. The unit can also detect a battery's current, temperature and other attributes to enable the car’s batteries to run safely and efficiently.