Battery technologies

Sweden Strengthens Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Development

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, April 29, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Sweden hosts a world class automotive cluster represented by leading brands such as SAAB Automobile, Scania, Volvo Car Corporation and Volvo Group alongside some 1,000 suppliers. Sweden now looks to expand its research and development of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Delegates from the Swedish automotive industry will be present at Booth 61 at the Advanced Automotive Battery and Ultracapacitor Conference and Symposia in Tampa, Florida on May 12-16 to meet international representatives from the vehicle battery industry. The aim is to strengthen the Swedish vehicle battery cluster with further investment.

WARREN, Mich., 2008-04-03 – Engineers at GM’s battery test facilities have developed a new computer algorithm to accelerate durability testing of the advanced lithium-ion batteries needed to power the Chevrolet Volt for up to 40 miles (64 km) of electric-only driving.

Chevy Volt Concept Car

Highlights:
* Battery engineers develop new computer testing procedure, leverage global resources to accelerate development of extended-range electric vehicles (E-REV)
* Engineers integrate T-shaped battery into vehicle structure
* Designers improve aerodynamics to lower energy consumption

- Continental's energy management helps to reduce fuel consumption
- Electronics from Continental capture continuous car battery data with start of production in 2008

Regensburg, January 18, 2008 -- A weak battery can easily give drivers a nasty surprise in the morning, particularly when temperatures drop: The car won’t start, because the starter doesn’t receive the needed power. The Intelligent Battery Sensor from Continental provides early warning when a battery is running down due to age, thereby preventing breakdowns. To accomplish this, it constantly determines the exact charge status of the vehicle battery. The sensor will go into series production in 2008. The sensor will then also help to reduce fuel consumption.

SANTA ROSA, CA , Oct 19, 2007 -- Electric car pioneer ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB) today announced that it has acquired the exclusive American distribution license from CCT Power Company of Temple City, California to market batteries from Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: GBT) for its Portable Energy lines.

ZAP made the announcement following meetings yesterday in Beverly Hills with Sharon Tang, CFO for Advanced Battery Technologies, and John Honey, President and CEO of CCT Power . The meetings were part of ZAP's new US-China joint venture with Youngman Automotive Group and were attended by former Lotus Engineering CEO Albert Lam, Chairman for the joint venture company and a recent addition to ZAP's Board of Directors.