Superlattice Power, Inc. (SLAT.OB) announced that it will develop a superlattice battery specifically for Hybrid Technologies’ (HYBR.OB) vehicle entry into the Automotive X Prize (AXP) competition sponsored by Progressive. Superlattice is an emerging powerhouse in the development and marketing of lithium-powered batteries worldwide.
The AXP judges will be analyzing 64 entrants based upon six factors: fuel economy, design, performance, price, production reality, and technology feasibility. Hybrid’s AXP vehicle is currently being developed at the company’s Mooresville facility. The engineering team’s goal is for the Hybrid entry to reach speeds of 175 mph and a drive range of at least 300 miles per charge.
Superlattice Power’s lithium ion polymer batteries are manufactured with a more affordable cathode material referred to as ‘superlattice structure.’ The batteries’ elements and transitioned metals were selected specifically to make the cathode materials safe, more affordable, and environmentally friendly. These next-generation batteries are manufactured into a hexagonal framework that can accommodate more lithium and can store more energy. The increases in lithium and energy storage result in a 30-percent increase in driving range, which equates to about 200 miles per charge.
A team from Popular Mechanics has already test-driven three of Hybrid Technologies all-electric vehicles—the RUSH sports car, the DASH version of the Mini Cooper and the RYDER motorcycle—and were “very impressed.” All three vehicles already reach speeds of 70 to 120 mph and drive between 100 and 120 miles per charge.
With the combination of the Superlattice battery and the Hybrid team’s new aerodynamic vehicle design, no one can really guess the actual level of speed and distance that Hybrid’s AXP entry will reach. Long-standing members of the vehicle industry should not be surprised if the Hybrid entry drives away with the $10 million AXP prize.
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