Daimler looking for an extra partner in its lithium battery venture
Late last year, Daimler AG announced that it would partner with Evonik for the development and manufacturing of automotive lithium ion batteries. Daimler bought half of Evonik's LiTec battery unit at that time. Now, Daimler is looking to bring in another partner for the project. At this time, its not clear if that would be a partner on the battery side to bring in more technology, or a partner to consume batteries and help spread the development costs. At the Detroit Auto Show, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that his company would supply battery packs and chargers to Daimler for the test fleet of electric Smart ForTwos. If Tesla were to hook up with Daimler and Evonik, it could potentially provide them a lower cost supply of batteries for the Model S and other future vehicles. At the same time, Tesla could contribute some of its battery management knowledge to the project.
More likely, Daimler will be looking for a larger partner that could provide economies of scale to the battery manufacturing.
[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mister nomer 4:45PM (3/15/2009)
Sam writes: "More likely, Daimler will be looking for a larger partner that could provide economies of scale to the battery manufacturing."
I'm sure A123 Systems, maker of high quality LiFePO4 cells and loser to LG Chem in the GM Volt sweepstakes, is preparing their bid for Daimler even as we speak.
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Dharma Bum 6:35PM (3/15/2009)
The EVI electric trucks at the Chicago Truck show appear to be Mitsubishi Fusos and they have Valence batteries.Doesn''t Daimler own Fuso and Valence has production capabilities now. Just a thought...
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pulp1 2:41PM (4/01/2009)
Tesla & Daimler would be a great chemistry none of the less in terms of common batteries and battery management developpement, but more globaly for quality and affordable EV's.
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