Altair Nanotechnologies Receives $850,000 Purchase Order for Li-ion Modules from Proterra
04 May 2010
Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. has received a follow-on $850,000 purchase order for lithium-ion battery modules from Proterra for new all-electric and hybrid-electric transit buses.
This purchase is a follow-on order from the initial $898,400 contract announced in August 2009. At that time, Proterra purchased battery modules for several zero-emission demonstration buses, one of which was displayed to Washington DC policymakers in October 2009.
Altairnano will supply Proterra with advanced battery modules based on Altairnano’s 1P10S configuration, designed for use in commercial EV and HEV applications. The 1P10S module configuration features an operating temperature range between -40 °C to +55 °C (-40 °F to +131 °F), which enables battery modules to operate effectively in broad temperature extremes. These 24-volt battery modules utilize Altairnano’s 50Ah cell, feature a 10-minute charge when coupled with appropriate charging facilities and provide a cycle life up to 9,000 100% depth of discharge cycles.
The modules will primarily be used in the production of all-electric, 35-foot Proterra FCBE 35 transit buses. The FCBE 35 is the bus that demonstrated a fuel economy equivalency approaching 20 miles per gallon as measured by the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute at Penn State University.
These batteries could be ideal for BEVS and PHEVs in very cold weather areas such as the USA North East, Mid-West and all of Canada. The very quick charge capabilities is another advantage.
Posted by: HarveyD | 04 May 2010 at 08:44 AM
Altair needs to be more aggressive about marketing their excellent batteries. The major drawback is cost. But in the right application like the Proterra buses, they will prove themselves and hopefully generate more interest. A 9k 100% charge cycle is fantastic for heavy duty use.
We wish them success and suggest they look into the fed grants and R&D programs for more funding to bring manufacturing costs down.
Posted by: sulleny | 04 May 2010 at 09:32 AM
sulleny:
Altair's batteries have excellent qualities but may still fall short on energy density (at 80 Wh/Kg?) for e-cars. Newer units may do better?
Posted by: HarveyD | 04 May 2010 at 10:25 AM
Yea but for bus lines that can be charged in 10 minutes at the beginning and at the end of a line this technologie is perfect.
Posted by: clambro | 04 May 2010 at 11:43 AM
I agree with you Clambro, buses can carry more heavy weight batteries. It would also be indicated for heavier delivery vehicles.
Posted by: HarveyD | 04 May 2010 at 04:17 PM
Thanks Clambro,
I guess no-one else is quite noticing yet, but rapid charged buses is a very disruptive technology in the rather staid (but huge) urban bus environment, and the Altair batteries are the key. More info: www.nanobus.org
Posted by: Roger in Spain | 04 May 2010 at 11:41 PM
Harvey,
In case energy density 80 Wh/kg of battery pack and there is no need of any heat management system, 100% utilization of SOC, high safety standard - I would say, that this most advanced battery on the market for EV and especially EREV application. Chevy Volt battery (real) 8 kWh is 175 kg which gives 46 Wh/kg with limited cycling. Weight and cost of heat management is not included for Chevy Volt battery efficiency calculation.
Posted by: Darius | 05 May 2010 at 12:28 AM