ExxonMobil Chemical technology helps power new Electrovaya vehicle
by Monica Perin, Reporter, Houston Business Journal, Jan 23, 2008
Source: Bizjournals.com
http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/01/21/daily36.html
ExxonMobil Chemical’s new battery film technology has enabled a Canadian firm to roll out a new generation of all-electric vehicles. Toronto-based Electrovaya today launched its zero emission low speed vehicle, the Maya-300, which incorporates ExxonMobil’s battery separator films to enhance the power, safety and reliability of the vehicles’ lithium-ion batteries.
“ExxonMobil’s film technologies allow lithium-ion batteries to meet hybrid and electric vehicle requirements, helping to make vehicles like the Maya-300 pelighter and more efficient.” said Jim Harris, senior vice president of Houston-based ExxonMobil Chemical. Much of the work on the battery technology was carried out at ExxonMobil’s Baytown Technology Center, said spokeswoman Susan Kattelus.
The company is working with a number of vehicle manufacturers on the development of batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles and expects more announcements like this one to come, Kattelus said. “Electrovaya was our first commercial announcement.”
The Maya-300 electric vehicles will have an extended range of up to 120 miles and are designed for urban and neighborhood driving patterns. “Electrovaya’s innovative lithium-ion battery system has made the low-speed electric vehicle a viable commercial product,” said Sankar Das Gupta, chief executive officer of Electrovaya. “We believe this zero-emission vehicle marks a new era where affordable clean transportation solutions become available with sufficient range for daily local driving.”
ExxonMobil’s technology platform builds on 20 years of experience in lithium-ion battery separators, applying advanced polymer and process technologies to tailor products to battery manufacturer requirements. Electrovaya develops and makes portable power solutions based on its proprietary Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery technology, and also is the manufacturer of the Maya-300 electric vehicle. Electrovaya’s battery technology is also applicable to tablet PCs, the aerospace, defense and wireless industries and various forms of alternative energy.