fairplay

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Centerfolds

Wow -- who would have thought an article on batteries would engender such emotion? Almost makes you think that energy storage really is "the next big thing" ..? Based on the comments here, looks like everyone is voting with their wallets, not always the best basis for reason. AXPW recently put a whack of prototypes into third party hands for evaluation. They claim 300-400% the life cycle of typical lead acid and up to 1000% the uptake (charge intake) ability (like a supercapacitor). And they claim to be cost-competitive with lead-acid. And they say that they are going to produce electrodes only so that any battery company in the world (traditional) can transition to their design. And they just got a $10 mil progress payment from a vencap investor known for its thorough DD. These are not-inconsiderable claims, especially for an almost-unknown firm with negligible trading volime and a cap that barely justifies the patents. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, guys. Over time, the market will indeed decide who wins and who loses. But if calling the author names works for you, don't let reality intrude.