Automakers, DOE Award Battery Technology Development Contract to Celgard
By Scott Doggett December 3, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy
and a consortium made up of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler today announced the award of a $2.3 million contract for battery technology development to Celgard
, a global supplier of material for lithium-ion batteries that is located in Charlotte, N.C.
Battery separators are electronically insulating membranes that prevent the battery from overheating and increase battery power and capacity. The more advanced the separators, the better they are able to perform these functions.
Celgard was given the 18-month contract to advance lithium-ion battery separator technology for hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle applications. The work is totally in keeping with the mission of the United States Advanced Battery Consortium, which is to develop electrochemical energy storage technologies that support the commercialization of fuel cell, hybrid and electric vehicles.
The Energy Department is involved in the work because its overarching mission is to advance America's national, economic and energy security. Transportation technologies that reduce the nation's use of imported oil is seen as increasing America's energy security.
Plus, the department has identified electrochemical energy storage as a critical enabling technology for advanced, fuel-efficient, light- and heavy-duty vehicles. By supporting that research and development, the department supports the U.S. automotive industry, which it views as important to the economic security of the country.
Scott Doggett, Contributor
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