Two giants in the field of electric car batteries have signed an agreement to work together to help advance the UK’s uptake of electric cars. European firm Axeon is to work with its US counterpart, A123 Systems with both companies set to benefit from the collaboration and supply agreement.
Customers will benefit from the combination of A123 Systems’ proprietary Nanophosphate battery technology and Axeon’s expertise in systems integration, design engineering and testing – as well as the firm’s UK presence to provide hands-on support.
Axeon and A123 Systems are already engaged with a as yet unnamed ‘major UK customer’ with additional projects are also on the horizon.
Axeon has already provided battery solutions for a broad range of electric and hybrid electric vehicles, including an electric version of the Rolls Royce Phantom (see story) and an electric Land Rover Defender produced for a game park in South Africa (see story).
US-based A123 Systems designs and manufactures advanced lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems. The company’s nanophosphate technology is based on nanoscale materials initially developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and it is designed to deliver a unique combination of high power and energy density, increased safety and long life. The firm currently supplies General Motors with batteries as the car giant prepares to launch electrified models (see story).
Lawrence Berns, Axeon CEO, said: “We are delighted to be forming what will be a valuable strategic relationship with one of our key partners in this way. The combination of Axeon’s expertise in battery management and control systems with advanced cell technology from A123 Systems will ensure our customers have access to the very best electric vehicle solutions.”
Jason Forcier, VP Automotive Solutions Group at A123 Systems, added: “We believe that our strategic partnership with Axeon will enable us to more effectively meet growing demand for our lithium ion battery technology from UK and European transportation customers. By aligning ourselves with an established organization like Axeon, we expect to expand our presence in these markets and increase the efficiency with which we are able to respond to customers’ needs.”
