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[January 2009]
Evonik and Daimler Establish Alliance for Development and Production of Lithium-ion Batteries
Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany) and Daimler AG (Stuttgart, Germany) say they are developing the energy storage of the future. Based on lithium-ion technology from Evonik and with Daimler expertise, both groups will drive forward the research, development and production of battery cells and battery systems in Germany. In the near future, Li-Tec cells will appear in electric vehicles of Mercedes-Benz Cars. This will represent an important milestone in the series production of electric vehicles.
En route to achieving its technological leadership in recent years, Evonik has invested around €80 million. The outcome is production-ready hi-tech battery cells that are claimed to be superior to competitor products in several key areas. “Evonik is the only company that can actually bring about commercial series production of battery cells of this kind,” said Werner Müller, CEO of Evonik Industries AG.
“We will also continue our ongoing investment in relevant future technologies. In the last 30 years, Daimler engineers have registered over 600 patents associated with battery-powered vehicles – over 230 of which were in the field of lithium-ion technology,” commented Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Evonik Group subsidiary Li-Tec is set to make a significant contribution to the success of this continued development. On 15 December 2008 Daimler AG took over 49.9% of Li-Tec Vermögensverwaltung GmbH (Li-Tec). Evonik Industries AG already held 50.1%. Both partners are seeking the involvement of a third shareholder in Li-Tec with expertise in electrical and electronic systems integration. Furthermore, the companies will also establish a joint venture with a clear focus on the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications. Daimler will hold 90% of this joint venture and Evonik 10%.
The lithium-ion batteries produced by the joint venture will be used in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. The capacity available at Li-Tec and the joint venture will initially concentrate on the needs of Daimler AG. Beyond that, the sale of cells and battery systems to third parties is planned.
“We have the universal electric drive – suitable for everyday use, safe, affordable”, said Evonik CEO Müller. Due to their technical concept featuring a ceramic separator, today’s Li-Tec cells are the most suitable for electric vehicles. The flat cell, which leads the field in worldwide comparisons, boasts a high energy density combined with compact dimensions and outstanding safety – the issue that takes greatest priority in the application of high energy density batteries. First generation lithium-ion flat cell batteries will soon be used in electric vehicles of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
As far back as the late 1970s, Daimler began intensive research and development work on battery-powered vehicles. Alongside vehicle concepts, this also included the further development of individual key components such as electric motors and energy storage. “The energy storage is at the very heart of vehicle electrification and thus the key component for sustainable mobility,” explained Dieter Zetsche. Further advancements in the storage of electrical energy on board a vehicle are promised by the flat-cell frame concept brought into the cooperation by Daimler. This is designed around the basic principle of a fuel cell stack and enables standardised production within a modular system.
www.evonik.com
www.daimler.com
ENDS