Kirk Lindstrom

Energy Storage: Chrysler - A123 Alliance Likely to Spark Interest in Sector

The A123 - Chrysler "vaporware" announcements are interesting but I am looking forward to your comments on the PUMA demonstration by Segway and GM of an actual product using safe Li-ion phosphate batteries from Valence. When I saw the PUMA vehicle, right away I thought "there is no need to shield the passengers from a possible battery explosion so it works" unlike the cars you wrote about using other technology. These more expensive battery technologies may make possible transportation vehicles that are more than just sticking a rechargeable battery in a heavy "old" auto. The puma could come in at 25% the total operating cost of a car and have a 35 mile range which could be more than enough for many city dwellers.