In the mid seventies, the United States endured an oil shock. People can still remember the long lines, the “odd and even” days that you could buy gasoline, and the dollar limits to how much you could buy. But despite it all, we all knew that it was a manmade event. We knew there was a substantial base of oil to pull from, it was simply political posturing that created the shortages.
This time it’s completely different. Intense growth in demand from China and the Pacific rim countries, along with peaking production at the largest oil fields, has resulted in soaring prices. This isn’t political posturing, or OPEC nations trying to make a fast buck; this is a true shift in the entire global energy situation, and it’s the sole reason that companies like Superlattice Power Inc. (SLAT.OB) are attracting such attention. In a world of $140.00-dollar-per-barrel oil, hearing of SLAT’s developments in their next-generation lithium ion batteries is music to energy-hungry ears.
Lithium ion technology is the most advanced application of battery architecture yet developed. It has given the greatest balance between physical size of a battery, power output, longevity of charge, and price to manufacture. Each time there is an advance in the physical makeup of a lithium battery, the end result is a net positive benefit to the end user of the battery. This can be manifest in holding charges longer, accepting more power draw, reducing physical size, and a host of other benefits.
On June 9th, Superlattice Power introduced a new nanosphere lattice structure for their lithium ion batteries, yielding extended drive ranges in electric vehicles. This major advancement is accomplished through the use of a new process which produces a reasonably priced cathode material, but one where the surface area is reduced as compared to faceted nanomorphology. By reducing the surface area of the cathode, they in turn can reduce the use of electronically conductive carbonaceous material. This equates to a cell that yields more capacity.
This extra capacity translates to efficiency that, until now, has been unachievable. The current crop of lithium batteries is generally thought powerful enough to propel a vehicle for approximately 120 miles. Using this Superlattice structure in the manufacture of their cathodes, not only do they see a wider range of usable voltages, they’ve increased the range a vehicle can travel to over 200 miles. This is an incredible increase in distance and efficiency, and one accomplished with no increase in battery size.
Compelling developments such as these are what keeps Superlattice Power in the spotlight of both investors and researchers. Because this “oil shortage” is truly different this time, and will be with us for years, companies that successfully develop new ways to reduce our oil dependence will be highly rewarded. Superlattice Power is well positioned to continue bringing forth new advancements in battery technology and taking us one step closer to energy independence. Wise investors should take notice.
Let us hear your thoughts: Superlattice Power, Inc Message Board