BASF Introduces Solutions to Help Extend the Range of Batteries for Electric Vehicles at Battery Technology Expo


New NCM-424 and NCM-523 cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries allow higher energy density, safety and efficiency

Innovative plastics engineered to offer protection from tough automotive environments and opportunities for light weighting

FLORHAM PARK, NJ, - BASF, the world's leading chemical company, will introduce solutions for the lithium-ion battery market at the Battery Technology Expo, held in San Jose, California, from Oct. 5-7. This expo showcases the leading component manufacturers, raw material suppliers and highly specialized service providers to the battery supply chain.

One factor slowing market adoption of electric vehicles is the relatively short driving range associated with current batteries. New generations of cathode materials, which are key to the performance and safety of batteries, provide much higher energy density, enabling increased driving distances for full electric, plug-in, or hybrid vehicles, with reduced battery pack weight.

With the introduction of NCM-424 and NCM-523 to the current NCM-111 material, BASF has expanded its portfolio of advanced NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Customers now have the ability to select a material that that can best meet their application requirements. These cathode materials allow higher energy density, improved safety due to higher temperature stability, and increased efficiency by enabling more discharge/charge cycles for batteries. Due to a very high degree of purity and excellent product characteristics, these materials are also well suited for evolving requirements of batteries in automotive drivetrains.

BASF is one of only two licensed suppliers of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory-patented NCM cathode materials, which employ a unique combination of lithium and manganese-rich mixed metal oxides. The license covers the broadest scope of NCM chemistry, which can be used in today's lithium-ion batteries. This includes lithium stabilization (molar ratio of lithium to other metals greater than 1) of known NCM materials, such as 111, 424, and 523, which improves power characteristics, cycle life and safety of current lithium-ion technology.

BASF and the Argonne National Laboratory recently received a "Deals of Distinction(TM)" Award for this worldwide agreement by the Licensing Executives Society (USA and Canada), Inc. (LES), which noted this agreement's significant potential to improve the environment and provide economic growth.

BASF also offers robust engineering resins that can effectively handle challenging environments, whether there is a need for better stability against glycol exposure, higher service temperatures or the need for a flame retardant material. BASF is also focused on weight reduction and has an excellent history of developing new lighter weight technologies, utilizing Ultramid® polyamide for applications such as plastic air intake manifolds, cylinder head covers and most recently transmission and oil pans. This expertise and technology will continue to provide benefits as the automobile moves toward electrification.

BASF - The Chemical Company.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $13 billion in 2009. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.us.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than Euros50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

For more information contact

Joseph M. Jones

BASF Corporation

Catalysts

Tel: (732) 205-5557

E-mail: joseph.jones@basf.com

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