BASF Showcases Solutions to Help Extend the Range of Batteries at Advanced Automotive Batteries Conference
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Advanced cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries to allow higher energy density, safety and efficiency Innovative plastics engineered to offer protection from environmental elements and opportunities for light weighting
FLORHAM PARK, NJ - BASF, the world's leading chemical company, will showcase innovative solutions for the lithium-ion battery market at the 10th International Advanced Automotive Batteries Conference, held in Orlando, Florida from May 17-21. This conference is a unique forum where international automakers, their suppliers and related stakeholders meet to discuss the latest in energy-storage technology for vehicle electrification.
One factor slowing down market adoption of battery-powered vehicles is the relatively short driving range associated with low energy-density 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.
BASF offers a portfolio of advanced NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries to allow higher energy density, improved safety due to a higher thermal event temperature, 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 well suited for evolving requirements of batteries in automotive drivetrains. BASF is one of only two license holders 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.
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 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.
Addressing the challenges in automotive battery applications that will help make lithium-ion batteries realistic, affordable and widely available in automotive drivetrains is a key part of BASF's growth strategy. In line with this commitment, the company is planning to build a cathode materials production plant within its existing manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio. This investment will be supported by a $24.6 million grant from the DOE under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative. When completed, this plant is expected to become one of the largest cathode material production facilities in North America.
For more information contact:
Kathy Dennis
BASF Corporation
Engineering Plastics
Tel: (973) 245-6288
E-mail: kathy.dennis@basf.com
Paul Warkentin
BASF Catalysts LLC
Tel: (732) 205-5237
E-mail:paul.warkentin@basf.com
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.com/usa.
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 50 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.
