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To: Ray who wrote (3296)	3/5/1999 6:56:00 PM
From: fred whitridge	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 8393

Ray-- Stop it with the LiPoly stuff. There were 750 million NiMh cells sold last year. Nomura stated at the Ft. Lauderdale battery conference that LiPoly only has, maybe, a 40% manufacturing yield. That's french for a 60% scrap rate. Several speakers pointed out (not just our Mike Fetcenko) that NiMh has more ooomph per unit volume than LiOn which in turn has more oomph than LiPoly. NiMh in high rates of production is approaching the oomph per pound. So lets see here: NiMh is far safer, is easier to recycle, is 40% cheaper (at least), is far more efficient volumetrically (important in many cars), and is almost on parity in specific energy. Perhaps even more important, Detroit is cautious as we've seen with their "adoption" of EVs. I don't think the auto boys are going to risk whether you can start your $70,000 BMW 7 Series on a cold morning in Bavaria with a new fangled chemistry which has yet to sell even 3 orders of magnitude fewer cells as are churning out of the NiMh plants EACH YEAR. That is why BMW has selected Varta- cautious Germanic engineers and is trying to get a running start on the 2004 model year. If things were going so swimmingly why did VLNC and GM stop dating? GM and NiMh are still going steady, even if they don't seem to be procreating with abandon just yet. LiOn and LiPoly aren't going away and certainly have their place. Interesting, isn't it that some people feel NiMh growth might accelerate as laptops get cheaper because a $1000 laptop can't afford a $150 LiOn battery? Interesting, isn't it, that NiMh, which does better on energy in a set volume does better (even tho' the specific energy isn't yet quite on parity, YET) as cellphones and laptops get SMALLER?

To: Ray who wrote (3296)	8/1/1999 12:34:00 AM
From: Michael Latas	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 8393

Let me put your mind at ease as it would relate to being electrocuted by touching a loose wire or whatever, in a car equipped with a 42V electrical system. First, let me bring you up to speed. The German auto mfgr's, Mercedes- Benz and BMW spearheaded the drive for a 42V electrical system. They initially were desirous of 50V and even more, to accommodate the growing electrical applications that could be developed with a much more powerful electrical system, but discovered that high of an electrical system could indeed electrocute someone. As a result, they settled upon 42V, which could still give one a "knock-your-socks-off" shock, but not be fatal. So, there you have it. At least the 42V system provides three times as much power as our current 12V system. Think, if you will, about the amount of amperes your house currently needs to operate compared to your folks house, or better yet, your grandparents. As an example, your grandparents may have only required a 50 ampere electrical service. No one had air conditioning, microwave ovens, among other electrical needs, let alone all electric homes back then. Your folks may have had 100 amperes, while your home may require 200 or more amperes to run your home. The 6V electrical system in automobiles was increased to the current 12V system back in 1956, over forty years ago. And, that changeover took place literally overnight. Everyone had to jump in on the band wagon. The same competition is heating up right now. Everyone will have to get into the act. However, for what it's worth, the automotive industry (which includes trucks) estimates 60 billion dollars in additional revenues yearly, and still counting, they will receive due to the many increases in options a more powerful electrical system will accommodate. Again, just like your house. And, the mfg'rs are still looking at a number of additional applications that are in the making, to be added to this 60 billion. The list of new applications continues to grow. So, they are all financially motivated to make this major shift. As you can see, the auto mfg'rs are currently way behind the times. I hope this gives you a better understanding of the new 42V technology and how profound it will be. I personally believe the race to the market with the new 42V electrical system will be between the Germans and the Japanese, with the Americans lagging behind. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think so. Either way, heads we win, tails we win. How nice for a change. Regards.