CUPERTINO, CA—Apple is working to manufacture iPhone batteries on fully automated assembly lines this year, supply chain sources claim. The company is interested in reducing the manpower needed to make its products, due to rising wages in China.
FREMONT, CA—Panasonic, along with some Japanese materials suppliers, is reportedly planning to invest some $977 million in a U.S. factory to make lithium-ion car batteries.
HOLLAND, MI—LG Chem Michigan shipped out the first set of electric vehicle batteries from its assembly plant here. The batteries will be installed in Chevy Volts.
Weight issues are not something that’s common with U.S. Army soldiers. The military organization prides itself on running a lean, mean fighting machine. But, even so, the Army is on a weight-loss program when it comes to vehicles, artillery, ordnance, helmets, electronic gear and other devices.
STOCKHOLM—Volvo has developed a new concept for lightweight structural energy storage components, in a bid to enhance the use of energy for future electrified vehicles. The new component includes carbon fibers, nano structured batteries and super capacitors.
STANFORD, CA—Stanford University researchers have developed a new adhesive that enables the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries last five times longer than earlier designs.
WEST HARLEM, NY—Urban Electric Power, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the City University of New York have opened of a new research and manufacturing facility here for advanced zinc anode rechargeable battery systems. The project is expected to create 64 new jobs.
ALACHUA, FL—Encell Technology, a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, is exploring the possibility of building an assembly plant here that could create 167 jobs.