How to Get the U.S. Ready for EV Batteries

As lithium-ion batteries increasingly look like the future of cars, getting use in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, the question is, how do we make them here?

The problem is that most of the materials for these batteries come from other countries, meaning the North American supply base is severely lacking. More than half of the lithium comes from South America right now, and in under a decade 40% of it will come from China.

How does the U.S. combat this and ensure that the batteries of the future can be made in the U.S.? According to Mary-Ann Wright, CEO of joint battery venture Johnson Controls-Saft, the key will be establishing a manufacturing base in the U.S early and quickly.

Johnson Controls-Saft hopes to begin that base, having just won a contract from a consortium that includes battery suppliers and several automakers, including those in Detroit.

The aim is to develop cheaper battery systems for mass-market plug-in hybrids while cooperating with competitors when it comes to technology and suppliers of raw materials, like lithium.

North America Behind on Batteries for Electric Cars, CEO Says (Detroit Free Press)

Comments

[ziggy]

I just wonder what Johnson Controls-Saft has done with the $43 million in federal grant money that they've received since 2006.

[ziggy]

Oh - they sold batteries to Chinese automakers and helped them develop hybrid technology. So much for federal grant money going to use here in the U.S.

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Notable by its absence in news articles is any mention that most lithium-ion batteries degrade rather quickly over time (like the one in your laptop). Prepare to replace the battery packs every 2-3 years.

[DodgeFan]

My first laptop battery went quick even when plugged into outlet alot. I think they have solved that problem for they want to make available in cars.. I think the article is misleading because if the U.S. doesn't have raw materials for lithium batteries it will never have them. The article seems to confuse manufacturing capacity of lithium batteries with the access of raw materails. It sounds like Johnson Control-Safts is trying to develop manufacturing capacity.

Sounds like the promise of cheaper more powerful US made thin film solar cells a few years ago. I agree with above.

Sounds like the promise of cheaper more powerful US made thin film solar cells a few years ago. I agree with above.