Zoomi Life

There are some rare earth metals that are vital to electric motor production, lithium-ion battery storage, and other electric vehicle concerns. One of them, dysprosium, is essential for almost all electric motor and generator applications: cars, wind turbines, and more.

Read More: Peak Oil for Lithium-Ion Battery and EV Technology?

EnerDel officially commissioned America’s first commercial-scale production plant for lithium-ion automotive battery packs in Indiana. EnerDel (a subsidiary of Ener1) makes the batteries in the Think City, but has now signed an agreement with Fisker Auto (makers of the Karma).

Read More: New Indiana Plant to Make Lithium-Ion Battery Packs Commissioned

Four battery makers–Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions, KD Advanced Battery Group, A123Systems, and LG Chem-Compact Power–are getting a combined total of $543.5 million in tax credits. Between them, the companies are planning to build $1.7 billion in lithium-ion manufacturing facilities in Michigan.

Read More: Michigan Gives $543.5 Million in Tax Credits to Battery Makers

The National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Batteries (NATTBatt) has selected Glendale, Kentucky as its choice of locations to build a manufacturing campus. NATTBatt is a consortium of more than fifty corporations, associations, and research institutions involved in advanced lithium-ion battery cells for transportation.

Read More: Kentucky the Choice For Li-ion Plant From NATTBatt

Lithium pellets covered in lithium hydroxide

Research and development of better, more efficient, lighter, and stronger battery technologies has been taking off full steam lately. Researchers at MIT are working to find a better solution of chemicals for lithium-ion batteries, for instance, while another lab at MIT is working on lithium replacements as there may be lithium shortages soon.

Read More: Making Better & Cheaper EV Batteries

Claiming they’re “five years behind Asians” in their ability to manufacture battery cells for electric vehicles, fourteen battery companies formed an alliance in order to push for federal funding for improved research and development. Their plan is to lobby the federal government to give them handouts so they can catch up to the Asians (mainly the Chinese) in technology and manufacturing.

Read More: Top American Battery Makers Form Alliance

In what could potentially be a revolutionary breakthrough for everything from laptops to electric cars, a South Korean team of researchers have made a major discovery in Lithium-Ion battery technology. A team of researchers at South Korea’s Hanyung University, led by professor Cho Jaephil, has claimed a discovery that could extend lithium ion battery energy capacity by up to 1000% or more.

Read More: Battery Life Breakthrough Could Increase Li-Ion Capacity by 1000%

Soon, we’ll probably be seeing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries being used in most electric cars and bikes. This new battery type is set to dominate the market. Based upon lithium ion technology, LiFePO4 batteries offer many advantages over lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO2) batteries which are commonly used in laptops, mp3 players and cell phones. [...]

Read More: LiFePO4 Batteries: A Breakthrough For Electric Vehicles