Superlattice Power, Inc. (SLAT.OB), an emerging leader in lithium battery technology, has taken another step in developing a lithium ion battery capable of giving electric cars a range of at least 200 miles – a huge 50% increase over previous associated technologies.
One of the secrets of the company’s new lithium ion polymer battery is the unique material used in the cathode, the battery’s negative terminal. Superlattice has now begun in-house production of the material.
Many other materials have been tried, but have been problematic due to toxicity, high cost, and poor performance. The “Superlattice Structure” cathode materials, involving special transition metals, are non-toxic and significantly increase battery energy density, range, charge rate, and durability. Dr. Surajit Sengupta, director of Battery R&D for Superlattice, states: “Our objective is to create the next generation of Lithium Ion Polymer battery that is environmentally non-toxic, safe, less expensive and more powerful.” In addition, Superlattice is already moving to test and develop industrial-level production processes for the new materials, a unique step for a newly invented material.
The potential applications for such increased battery performance are enormous, but the most visible market is the electric car. Superlattice (www.SuperLatticePower.com), headquartered in North Carolina but incorporated in Nevada, is working closely with Hybrid Technologies (www.HybridTechnologies.com), a Nevada-based developer and marketer of electric vehicles and conversions. Hybrid already has a line of electric cars and other vehicles based on lithium ion technology. Hybrid sees the new Superlattice battery as a key factor, along with rising fuel costs, in getting the electric car into widespread public use.
SLAT was selling earlier this year for as little as 34¢ per share, jumping to over $2 per share in the summer. SLAT closed at 84¢ on Wednesday.
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