Continental Partners with Enax to Develop Lithium-Ion Technology for Hybrids and Electric Drives

June 4, 2008 – Vol.13 No.11

Continental Partners with Enax to Develop Lithium-Ion Technology for Hybrids and Electric Drives.

Enax, of Tokyo, Japan, is a technology expert in the development and production of high-energy and high-performance lithium-ion cells for hybrid and electrical vehicles. Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. The two partners have agreed upon an exclusive cooperative venture for the development of lithium-ion cells especially for future hybrid and electric drives in automobiles. Continental and Enax intend to improve safety, service life and performance of lithium-ion batteries.

For an undisclosed sum Continental acquired a 16 percent share in Enax.

Founded in 1996 Enax will be able provide more than ten years of experience in the field of lithium-ion cells for automotive applications, including cell technology and chemical composition. Enax holds a number of patents relating to the production, cell materials and safety technology of the batteries.

"With this cooperation, we are pooling our innovative strength and creating the technological basis for high-performance energy storage devices of the next generation," explains Jorg Grotendorst, head of Continental's Hybrid business unit.

Continental has been developing components such as power electronics, electrical machines and energy storage devices for hybrid drives since the mid 1990s. The company is the world's sole hybrid system supplier not tied to an auto manufacturer, Continental has been mass producing a mild hybrid since 2003. Continental will launch volume production of a high-performance lithium-ion battery for the Mercedes S 400 BlueHYBRID at the end of this 2008. (6/3/08)

Links:

Continental Corporation
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/start/com/en/index_en.html

Enax
http://www.enax.jp/company_e/topFrameset.htm

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