What could be coming up shortly as news out of COBAYS. This research announcement from July 31,2002 from ECD's site. (note the last paragraph} This research ends about July 2004.
Texaco Ovonic Battery Systems Announces Award of Contract Under the Freedomcar Initiative
Phase three contract to continue advances in Ovonic NiMH battery development for hybrid electric vehicles
Rochester Hills, Mich., July 31, 2002 — Texaco Ovonic Battery Systems LLC, a 50-50 joint venture company between a unit of ChevronTexaco Technology Ventures and Ovonic Battery Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENER), announced today that it has received a $5.2 million, two-year cost-sharing contract to continue the development work on its proprietary liquid-cooled 12V monoblock nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) under the sponsorship of the Department of Energy's FreedomCar initiative.
Tom Neslage, President of Texaco Ovonic Battery Systems, said, "We at Texaco Ovonic Battery Systems are pleased to continue our successful developmental program with the Department of Energy. This important work, based upon our proprietary NiMH battery technology, will help accelerate the commercialization of hybrid technologies for a broad range of transportation applications."
The new contract represents Phase 3 of a program focused on completing the development work, which began in November 1999. In Phase 1, the technology development focused on improvement of the NiMH battery. Phase 2 of the development program emphasized durability and manufacturability concepts. Phase 3 is focused on development of full HEV battery systems meeting performance and production cost targets. The program will culminate in the delivery of complete 25kW battery pack systems, including thermal management, control electronics and a battery management system
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The availability of this system could soon be announced if its been successful that is. |
