Trying to keep up with developments in battery technology these is a little like being the circus act where the guy spins dishes at the end of long poles: every time you pay attention to one area, a new development takes place somewhere else.
An announcement today from Lithium Technology, however, made me take notice not so much because of what it said, but for who said it.
Lithium (OTC symbol: LTHU.PK) released information about a new line of large format battery cells using lithium iron phosphate technology. Interesting, yes, but the company release features a quote/testimonial from Dr. Andy Frank of the University of California, Davis. (Dr Frank is widely recognized as the creator of the Plug In Hybrid concept, and has approximately 20 - 25 years of research in the field.) So, understandably, when he makes a quote like the following, it's worth taking notice:
"Batteries made of LTC's cells can provide 3000 charging cycles, which would be able to do 150,000 miles to 80% capacity for a 100 km or 60 mile all electric range plug in hybrid, which no other technology can claim. The new cells... provide improved safety with the iron phosphate chemistry while delivering the impeccable performance they are known for, which is what the auto makers have been in search of; this is a Company that is seriously committed to making hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles an affordable reality for the consumer."It's worth noting that LTC has supported Dr. Frank's research in the past by supplying battery packs used in build competitions such as Challenge X, so there's obviously a history there.
However, even with that minor caveat, I'd still recommend keeping an eye on developments related to LTC.
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