Renault, LG Chem Sign MOU To Develop Long-Range Battery Technology
With most EVs getting around 100 miles on a single charge from their battery packs, such vehicles are more suited for the downtown core than a trip to the mountains. However, Renault and LG Chem are looking toward boosting range toward Tesla-like levels, together.
Autoblog Green reports Renault’s CCO Thierry Bolloré and LG Chem’s battery chief Kwon Young-soo signed a memorandum of understanding to develop battery range technology through the use of the latter company’s high-energy-density batteries. LG makes the batteries for EVs and PHEVs, including the Chevrolet Volt, and will supply packs to 20 automakers in 2015, double the business it does currently.
Meanwhile, Renault may use the results of its joint-venture with LG Chem to improve the range — and therefore, potential sales — of its Twingo and other Z.E. EVs. The Twingo was recently shelved in part to less-than-expected demand for the city car, with no word on when the EV will go back on sale.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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Makes sense to deepen this type of relationship. Toyota locked down Panasonic, Renault-Nissan doing same with LG gives them the same opportunity to steal a technical edge on rivals.
I still like the idea presented a while back for using a set of aluminum plates in a consumable galvanic cell to serve as a range extender. It's lighter than rechargeable batteries, inexpensive (when including the residual value of the consumed battery), and could be quickly swapped at a service center.
Long range battery. Surely a case of the misplaced modifier. Batteries don't have range, they have capacity. Larger capacity batteries give longer range in EVs, for those who actually care. Does having a supersized can of beans make them any better tasting than the standard 14 oz can of fartly delights? TTAC headlines. Deceiving you since 2011.
Ugh. Koreans and their MOU signing ceremonies.