The lithium-ion challenge.While the fuel cell development continues apace, the development of the lithium-ion batteries that are essential to the E-Flex architecture remains a challenge. Specifically, there needs to a reduction in cost and increases in both reliability and dependability, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Beth Lowery low·er·y also lour·y adj. Overcast; threatening. , GM vp of Environment and Energy. They're looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. what she describes as "the next level of lithium-ion batteries," and to that end they are working with a number of development partners including Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS JCS abbr. Joint Chiefs of Staff JCS (US) n abbr (= Joint Chiefs of Staff) → Stabschefs pl ; www.jci.com and www.saftbatteries.com), A123 Systems (www.a123systems.com), and Cobasys (www.cobasys.com). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Joe Lograsso, engineering group manager, GM Hybrid Energy Storage Devices, says that they're focusing on lithium-ion batteries rather than the nickel-metal hydride batteries that are used in other auto applications because they are on the order of 40% lighter and require 20% less space. Mass and packaging are key considerations for vehicle development. With regard to the technology, Lograsso says that "an evolutionary advance" is required, as good progress has been made in the fundamental battery chemistry. However, he points out that the installed base for lithium-ion battery production is currently located mainly in Asia--as the key industry using the batteries is consumer electronics--and that in order to ramp up Ramp Up To increase a company's operations in anticipation of increased demand. Notes: A company might 'ramp up' operations if they just signed a contract creating substantially more demand for their product. See also: Demand, Economies of Scale the necessary capacity in the U.S. it may require government support. Mary Ann Wright, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of JCS, and former director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs at Ford Motor, notes that among the challenges that need to be addressed are "automotive-compliant performance and quality." It's one thing if your digital camera doesn't work. It's something else entirely if your car doesn't. She also points out that while developing the cells is one thing, integration with the total vehicle system is a complex undertaking. This last observation is echoed by Scott Lindholm, vp of Systems Engineering at Cobasys: "Even if a perfect battery existed, it would still require a system." Packaging, crash survivability sur·viv·a·ble adj. 1. Capable of surviving: survivable organisms in a hostile environment. 2. That can be survived: a survivable, but very serious, illness. , moisture intrusion, cooling system, and electronic controls are among the many issues that need to be addressed moving forward.--GSV |
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