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We are following the compelling EEStor story here on All Cars Electric.  As many people are aware, the company is reportedly on the threshold of unveiling its barite-based energy storage devices for use in Zenn Motors electric car powertrains.

These EESUs, as they are known, have been in development for over 10 years and are said to be several times lighter, smaller, and cheaper to produce that lithium cells.  They have a functionally unlimited lifetime as well.

These devices, if functional, have the potential to render lithium ion batteries immediately obsolescent not only for cars but for many other uses.  One would think this could have tremendous national security and economical implications.

We reached out to David Howell, who is Team Leader of the Hybrid and Electric Systems Vehicle Technologies Program of the US Department of Energy (DOE).

The DOE is integrally involved in promoting vehicular electrification and supports the effort through low cost loans and grants, and has as one of its missions the reduction of national petroleum dependence.

Asked about EEStor Mr. Howel replied:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding EEStor and their energy storage technology. We are aware of this company and have been following developments in this technology area for the past several years. Typically these materials have worked for very small devices, but additional development is needed in order to make them applicable for larger electric drive vehicle batteries.

Asked specifically if the DOE has seen functional EEStor technology even on a small scale he advised:

We have not received, nor seen a functioning sample of the EEStor technology. Basically what we know is from presentations and discussions with EEStor and from past work on similar systems.