Valence's Saphion technology is a safe lithium-ion rechargeable battery that is used by Segway Scooters and many plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
6/1/2006
VLNC - Valence Technology Inc. is trying to develop and commercialize phosphate-based lithium-ion battery technology, known as Saphion.
From Valence's web site:
"Our phosphate-based Saphion® Lithium-ion technology is a break through battery chemistry for mobile computing and for large format applications such as back up power supplies and electric vehicles. Saphion® technology, is safe and stable. It delivers high cycle life, great energy density, no maintenance, superior rate capability and long service life. These characteristics make Saphion® technology suitable for not only the traditional Lithium-ion markets such as the consumer and computer industries, but also for emerging markets not currently served by Lithium-ion technology, such as the telecom, utility and motive markets. Saphion® technology offers the power of Lithium-ion with the safety, environmentally friendly and cost benefits of phosphates."
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Green Investment
Some people recommend you put cigarette stocks for their high dividends in your explore portfolio. I prefer to try and get rich from technology that helps people rather than kills them so I have some of my explore money in Valence.
With oil back near its "Katrina High" in the $70's, I expect interest in Valence batteries for Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV) to intensify. PHEVs are the "next generation" after "hybrid autos" which combine a battery powered motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE). Hybrids require the ICE to charge the battery while driving whereas PHEVs typically go up to 30 miles without turning on the ICE! They charge over night and while parked at the office so they can eliminate gasoline consumption for a large amount of total miles driven by most commuters.
Carl Berg
One thing I like about Valence is an insider named Carl Berg buying shares supports their R&D. This saves the costs of issuing new shares on the open market with high fees to investment banks. It also says that someone who is quite rich and on the board of directors believes this technology someday will be profitable. Here are details of major insider transactions. Note that nobody has sold in the two years shown and there have been plenty of buys.
Disclaimer I hold VLNC in my personal account and my newsletter portfolio. As of writing this article (6/1/06), my last newsletter buy was 1,000 shares at $1.42 so I could take profits at any time, especially if I think it has peaked and I want to try to repurchase at lower prices. I may change my position at any time and will not necessarily report this beforehand. Buy or sell at your own risk and don't assume anything.
Discuss Valence:
Come join us in our Valence Technologies Discussion Forum to post questions, post articles about new uses for these batteries and how they can lower our dependence on foreign oil.
Free Charts and Other Stuff
Since beating the market is hard for most to do, I recommend a "Core and Explore" approach to investing. Core means place 80 to 99% of your money into a CORE, buy-and-hold, no load, mutual fund portfolio and then EXPLORE with the remainder. To build your core portfolio, I suggest a diversified basket of index funds.
DISCLAIMER: Answers & my words are general in nature, are not meant as specific investment advice, and do not necessarily represent the opinion of anyone but Kirk. Individuals should consult with their own advisors for specific investment advice.
The copyright of the article Valence Technology in Investment is owned by Kirk Lindstrom. Permission to republish Valence Technology in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
Jun 1, 2006 11:09 AM
stocktiger :
Kirk, Interesting looking product and company. Is Segway their main customer? Relative strength looks like its turning upward and PF chart looks like its ready for a pop. Thanks for sharing!
Jun 1, 2006 4:50 PM
stocktiger :
Forgot to read your post closer the first time. Betting +50% of sales and growth on Segways seems a little risky but who knows, maybe the Chinese govt will buy them. The stock sure had a nice pop today (wish I knew about it 2 days ago). Hopefully the Lithium Ion Batteries don't have a short and fry a rider with the high current they must generate, that would be a stock-stopper!
Good info Kirk!
Jun 1, 2006 5:36 PM
stocktiger :
Sounds promising and also a good point for subscribing to your newsletter. That little pop would have paid for many yrs of newsletters with just a small investment!
Your investment plan of 90% funds, etc... and 10% core/explore makes a lot of sense.
What do you think of FCEL? I've been tracking its progress for awhile.
You are right about not showing your cards during a BUY!
Jun 16, 2006 11:42 AM
Lcha :
<b> By installing the Lithium Ion batteries from Valence Industries (optional) the total weight will be lowered more then 350 kilo's, while raising the autonomy under power to 6 hours. </b>
WoW! 1/2 hour to 6 hours! That's impressive. With LESS weight no less(and no pun). These are the technologies that need to become commonplace. I really feel that if gasoline was priced to include ALL it's true cost, these technologies would be developed much faster.
Aug 15, 2006 10:03 AM
William Duffy :
<p>
</p>. Isn't true that the technology used by VLNC has a lower energy density than a "conventional" Lithium Ion battery? If so, do you know the ratio?
Does VLNC own significant patents? Do you know the patent numbers?
Seems to me a buyout would be more likely than a manufacturing ramp for VLNC.
Aug 15, 2006 12:28 PM
don wolanchuk :
<p>
</p>Vlnc manufacturing.....2 factories in china.....and the only supplier of batteries for the Segway personal transporter......watch the sky on this one.....Dell is just down the street from Valence in austin...."Saphion inside" seems likely in the not to distant future....google "N Charge"...Google "Saphion PHEV"... go here..you will see a bigazz Saphion battery in the trunk of a Prius http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hybridcars.com/images/valence-battery.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hybridcars.com/lithium-ion-hybrid-batteries.html&h=195&w=275&sz=15&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=pb3PzWtIxazHlM:&tbnh=81&tbnw=114&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsaphion%2Bbattery%2Bin%2Bprius%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26rls%3DGGLD,GGLD:2006-14,GGLD:en%26sa%3DG
BOSTON (Reuters) - The maker of the Segway scooter on Monday unveiled the second generation of its self-balancing electric one-person vehicle.
The redesigned scooter allows the rider to steer by leaning to the right or left, rather than by turning the handlebars. It also features a wireless electric key and alarm system.
The scooters feature two side-by-side wheels, and are ridden in a standing position, with the rider grasping handlebars. A gyroscope provides balance, making it fairly easy to remain in the upright position.
Officials at Bedford, New Hampshire,-based Segway Inc. said they have sold tens of thousands of the scooters since they were unveiled with great fanfare in 2002.
The scooters have been adopted by some police and security services in the United States and abroad, but remain an uncommon site on American streets.
Dave Howells, an information desk manager at Boston's Museum of Science, sometimes rides one at work as he mingles with visitors, but said he didn't believe the scooter -- priced at $5,000 to $6,000 depending on configuration -- would be practical for day-to-day use.
"I don't know if I would purchase one for my own use," he said. "Most of the places I'm going to go, I need a car. I live out in Marblehead, and it's hard enough to get around on a bike. The roads are congested, and you have to be careful."
But technology consultant Marc Hodosh said he's been using a Segway to commute from his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, just outside Boston, to meetings downtown for the past 3-1/2 years, covering 10 to 20 miles a day.
"It is, in my opinion, the best way to get around Boston," Hodosh said. "There are no issues of parking, there are no faster ways to get through Boston at rush hour, you don't pay anything for gas, as there is none. And on top of that, it's a lot of fun."
The electric scooters have a top speed of 12.5 miles per hour and take 8 hours to fully charge in standard wall outlets. The street model can travel up to 24 miles on a single charge. The company also makes an off-road model.
The scooters are available in a variety of configurations for commuters and commercial users. There's even one designed to carry a golf bag.
Company officials rebuff questions about precisely how many scooters they've sold, citing their private ownership. However, they said Segway may consi
Aug 23, 2006 9:03 AM
Lcha :
Ha! Two years to break even on my Prius. That's about what I calculated. And I get the added benefit of not choking our environment any more than I have to. Heck of a deal!
Aug 24, 2006 8:24 AM
Single Engle :
Valence Offers Dell Users a Battery Alternative with the Safety of Phosphates Thursday August 24, 10:15 am ET Saphion(R) Technology Based N-Charge(TM) Power System Offers Up to 10 hours of Battery Life
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 2006--Dell laptop users who are waiting for replacement batteries can turn to the Valence N-Charge(TM) power system to provide their power. The N-Charge Power System offers users up to 10 hours of battery and the safety provided by Valence's (NASDAQ:VLNC - News) patented Saphion® technology. ADVERTISEMENT
Unlike traditional cobalt oxide Lithiom-ion batteries, Valence batteries are made using a patented phosphate based cathode material. Phosphates are stable in overcharge or short circuit conditions and have the ability to withstand high temperatures without major incident. Using Saphion technology means Valence batteries in normal use and conditions are unlikely to be subject to "thermal runaway" that can cause fires. As a result, Saphion technology possesses safety characteristics that are fundamentally superior to those of cobalt oxide Lithium-ion batteries.
Valence's N-Charge power system is a universal, external battery that provides up to 10 hours of continuous runtime for notebook or tablet PCs such as those from Dell. Valence offers two models of batteries. The VNC-65 offers up to five hours of runtime and the VNC-130 offers up to 10 hours of runtime. Either of these batteries could be used as the primary power source for the laptop instead of the internal battery. More importantly, the N-Charge Power System provides a safe, long lasting adjunct to traditional laptop batteries offering easy-to-use, anytime, anywhere power.
Valence's N-Charge power system is regularly deployed for a wide variety of uses in educational settings, including K-12 schools, and healthcare settings, including hospitals, where all day run time of laptops is required.
N-Charge Power Systems can be ordered directly from Valence (www.valence.com) or 888-VALENCE. The N-Charge Power System is also available through a variety of computer suppliers including Dell, CDW, InfoLogix, Insight and PC Connection.
Sep 22, 2006 9:59 AM
James Joseph Kenney :
Kirk, do you think Alethia Research and Carl Berg (no doubt the largest shareholder, right?) might be thinking of taking VLNC private? Even though VLNC stock price has been very weak for some time I guess it is good that Carl Berg and Alethia Research still want to accumulate shares. Obviously they must think it will eventually make a lot of money and end up with a much higher share price.
Oct 4, 2006 2:45 PM
hickfish :
This is the second time around for this press release with the only difference being it selects more than just Dell as it makes the news available that is has alternatives to exploding batteries.
My question, why is VLNC having such a hard time getting business at these companies. They are right down the street from Dell for heaven's sakes. Is it bad relationships, pricing, or what? Seems to quiet in light of the recurring battery problem stories.
Updated:2006-10-04 15:51:13 Valence Offers Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, IBM, Lenovo and Toshiba Laptop Users a Battery Alternative BUSINESS WIRE AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)----In light of the recent laptop battery recalls, users who are waiting for replacement batteries can turn to Valence Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:VLNC ) to supply batteries. Valence's N-Charge Power System offers users up to 10 hours of battery runtime with the safety provided by Valence's patented Saphion(R) phosphate technology.
Unlike traditional cobalt oxide Lithiom-ion batteries, Valence batteries are made using a patented phosphate based cathode material. Phosphates are stable in overcharge or short circuit conditions and have the ability to withstand high temperatures without major incident. Using Saphion technology means Valence batteries in normal use and conditions are unlikely to be subject to "thermal runaway" that can cause fires. As a result, Saphion technology possesses safety characteristics that are fundamentally superior to those of cobalt oxide Lithium-ion batteries.
Valence's N-Charge Power System is a universal, external battery that provides up to 10 hours of continuous runtime for notebook computers including many models from Apple , Dell , Fujitsu, IBM , Lenovo and Toshiba. Valence's VNC-130 battery offers up to 10 hours of runtime and can be used as the primary power source for the laptop instead of the internal battery. Laptop owners concerned about being restricted by airline carriers from carrying on their laptops can remove the restricted internal battery and carry on an N-Charge Power System to power their laptops in flight. The N-Charge Power System provides safety in a long lasting adjunct to traditional laptop batteries and easy-to-use, anytime, anywhere power.
Valence's N-Charge Power System is regularly deployed for a wide variety of uses in educational settings, including K-12 schools, and healthcare settings, including hospitals, where extended runtime of laptops is required. The N-Charge Powe
Jan 5, 2007 12:38 PM
James Joseph Kenney :
VLNC down big time today. Can't find any news. Berg just bought another huge chunk of shares on 12/26/06 at $1.72). It was down more than 40 cents today so for an insider he clearly isn't using inside info to time his buys. Is it a buying opportunity or perhaps the beginning of the end for VLNC?
Jan 8, 2007 9:37 AM
hickfish :
DoctorJ2, I have been looking for information regarding the huge drop Friday and have really come up with nothing. The following article indicates that lithium ion batteries are necessary, but it doesn't seem that the technology is where it needs to be yet. Perhaps this news is what caused the decline. The volume was huge too and seems to have settled somewhat today.
Anybody else have any thoughts?
GM Unveils New Electric Vehicle Push By JOHN D. STOLL, The Wall Street Journal, via AP
DETROIT (Jan. 7) -- General Motors Corp. on Sunday announced a far-reaching plan to revive its previously abandoned attempt to build electric vehicles that are capable and fuel-efficient alternatives to traditional cars. But the auto maker admits the project needs a breakthrough on battery technology to become reality. GM earlier in the decade canceled its $1 billion-plus EV1 electric car program and has been criticized in some circles for the decision. Now, it comes to the North American International Auto Show with a new concept sedan -- the Chevrolet Volt -- that represents an attempt to eventually produce a car that is primarily electric and far superior to the EV1. The Volt would be capable of hitting 150 miles per gallon and traveling as far as 640 miles on a single tank of fuel under a combination of engine and battery power.
GM Hopes Hybrid is the Answer
The Volt concept sedan will be the first glance at what the auto maker hopes will blossom into "a new type of electric vehicle," GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said at a recent press briefing to introduce the initiative. There are many varieties of relatively low-power electric vehicles currently produced, but most drivers don't see them as capable of filling everyday needs. GM hopes to beat main global rivals, including Toyota Motor Corp., in the race to build acceptable electric vehicles. Japan has been the automotive technological leader in recent years and a GM victory could be a step in its quest for survival in the next century. GM has relied increasingly on sales in emerging markets to prop up production numbers as it loses market share in more-established markets where Toyota and others are gaining ground thanks to products often seen as more sophisticated. The U.S. auto giant's weakness in North America has led to deep financial losses and a need to restructure operations. Looking Past the EV1
•
GM's ill-fated EV1 was severely limited in range
Jan 22, 2007 1:28 PM
Erwin Schulz :
Kirk:
While I hope GM is serious about the electric car, how VLNC fits in is not clear to me.
On their last conference call, the question was put to Valence's CEO about the automotive market. What I remember hearing is that the manufacturing scale is so huge for the automotive market, that Valance doesn't have any real plans to enter that market. I very much remember feeling uninspired by Akridge's lack of vision or aggressiveness. Maybe he is? But he didn't inspire me.
Anyway, I just don't know if Valance is going to be a lasting player when its batteries are not as power-dense as their competition.
Jan 24, 2007 6:17 AM
Lcha :
A secretive Texas startup developing what some are calling a "game changing" energy-storage technology broke its silence this week. It announced that it has reached two production milestones and is on track to ship systems this year for use in electric vehicles.
EEStor's ambitious goal, according to patent documents, is to "replace the electrochemical battery" in almost every application, from hybrid-electric and pure-electric vehicles to laptop computers to utility-scale electricity storage.
The company boldly claims that its system, a kind of battery-ultracapacitor hybrid based on barium-titanate powders, will dramatically outperform the best lithium-ion batteries on the market in terms of energy density, price, charge time, and safety. Pound for pound, it will also pack 10 times the punch of lead-acid batteries at half the cost and without the need for toxic materials or chemicals, according to the company.
The implications are enormous and, for many, unbelievable. Such a breakthrough has the potential to radically transform a transportation sector already flirting with an electric renaissance, improve the performance of intermittent energy sources such as wind and sun, and increase the efficiency and stability of power grids--all while fulfilling an oil-addicted America's quest for energy security.
The breakthrough could also pose a threat to next-generation lithium-ion makers such as Watertown, MA-based A123Systems, which is working on a plug-in hybrid storage system for General Motors, and Reno, NV-based Altair Nanotechnologies, a supplier to all-electric vehicle maker Phoenix Motorcars.
"I get a little skeptical when somebody thinks they've got a silver bullet for every application, because that's just not consistent with reality," says Andrew Burke, an expert on energy systems for transportation at University of California at Davis.
That said, Burke hopes to be proved wrong. "If [the] technology turns out to be better than I think, that doesn't make me sad: it makes me happy."
Richard Weir, EEStor's cofounder and chief executive, says he would prefer to keep a low profile and let the results of his company's innovation speak for themselves. "We're well on our way to doing everything we said," Weir told Technology Review in a rare interview. He has also worked as an electrical engineer at computing giant IBM and at Michigan-based automotive-systems leader TRW.
Much like capacitors, ultracapacitors store energy in an electrica
Feb 6, 2007 1:18 PM
James Joseph Kenney :
VLNC reported much lower revenues than last quarter or a year ago but margins improved and the revenues they think will simply be pushed back to later this year. In any case VLNC was up over 20% at the close so it may be one of the top 5 gainers on the NASDAQ today.
Mar 19, 2007 11:52 AM
James Joseph Kenney :
VLNC took a dive this afternoon. As I write this it is down 29 cents to $1.28. Wonder if this might be a buying opportunity or perhaps VLNC heading for bankruptcy?
Mar 19, 2007 12:34 PM
Lcha :
The 3 times over the past 3 years that VLNC relative strength was this low, the stock doubled in short order. All 3 times the drops and recoveries were V shaped. I guess we'll just have to wait for the news to find out the "why" for today.
Mar 19, 2007 2:28 PM
James Joseph Kenney :
VLNC does have a history of bouncing back from major sell offs like the one we saw today (down over 25% at the close) but the overall trend over the past 3 years has been lower lows and lower highs. So the trend is certainly not our friend. As VLNC hit yet another multiyear low today (on no freely available news) the question is how low does it need to go before you decide to start cutting your losses? No doubt today may have been due to some investors who have had enough. They did get a new CEO last week and new CEOs often like to get all the problems out in the open soon after taking over (less someone think they were responsible) and I wonder if the new CEO at VLNC may be about to give investors some bad news?
Mar 19, 2007 4:28 PM
William Duffy :
Looks to me like they might go bankrupt. They have only about $1M in cash.
Usually, when a stock goes to a buck, there is a good reason. The selloff was on big volume; it's goin' lower.
Buying this stock is like buying a lottery ticket!
Mar 20, 2007 8:14 AM
James Joseph Kenney :
Hopefully you are right that yesterday was the final shakeout for VLNC. I did buy another 1500sh at $1.23 yesterday that I had sold on 2/6/07 for $1.71 so today's run up (so far) looks good. I figure my cost basis is a lot lower than Carl Berg's (maybe he's buying today?). Would be nice to see VLNC follow in FNSR's footsteps. FNSR dropped all the way to $0.79 before running up over $5 and settling now in the low $3 range. CACS and GGR were also penny stocks for a while too when you were buying so maybe VLNC will turn into another big winner.
Mar 20, 2007 11:37 AM
Phish :
I just tried to place on online limit order for VLNC, but Scottrade has this stock on a special list. I had to call and place the order over the phone as no online transactions are permitted for stocks on their "special watch" list. Not a big deal, but thought I would mention it here.
Scottrade would not divulge which stocks are on the "special watch" list or why a stock was put on this list.
Mar 27, 2007 1:29 PM
James Joseph Kenney :
"I wonder why GM can't use Valence's battery pack like CalCars and those Prius PEV people are doing?" KL
According to an article in the March 11th NY Times (by Jason Pontin) GM is involved with a start-up company that makes a rechargable lithium ion battery. According to the article the A123Systems battery that uses iron phosphate assembled in a nano-structure. According to the article these particles are 8 orders of magnitude more conductive than conventional lithium ion batteries. According to the company's president these new batteries deliver faster acceleration than any other batteries of the same size and the chemical stability of the cathode material greatly improves safety as well as extending battery life. They also claim to have already signed hundreds of millions of dollar contracts [no doubt including with GM] for their new battery technology.
Perhaps this new lithium ion technology will make that of VLNC obsolete. This would be bad for me but much worse for Carl Berg - although I'm sure he can take the hit if VLNC goes under.
Apr 24, 2007 5:18 PM
James Joseph Kenney :
Well Carl Berg bought another million bucks worth of VLNC at $1.08 on April 19th. Closed today at $1.05. This little battery company seems to need a re-charge. Is anyone buying this one besides Carl Berg now? May buy my last 1500sh if it hits $1 but that may be my final attempt to buy low and lower and lower, etc.. Hopefully the new CEO can figure out a way to stem the tide of red ink. VLNC is far away my #1 loser with nearly 40% of the money I put into it gone. I was feeling about as I do now with my #1 big loser last summer (FARO). I'd lost $6K more on that one than I have on VLNC when I bought yet another 300sh at $12.35. However, since its lows last summer FARO has shot up to $31.72 at today's close and I've gone from losing over $20K to now being up over $28K. I'm hopeful that VLNC will also eventually rebound although its fundementals look really bad so maybe it will go under. Any thoughts?
May 30, 2007 8:12 AM
Tim Trainor :
Does that account for the incredible pop we got today? I sold 2000 shares recently bought for $1.02 for 1.41. Nice!
Jun 11, 2007 8:06 AM
Steve Thompson :
. The news isn't moving the stock, yet. Looks like they maybe planning on increasing production. A few thoughts pop in to my mind.
Do they have the infrastructure in place to hire a new crew? Will they need to buy more capital equipment? How soon will revenue show up?
Jun 12, 2007 10:50 AM
hickfish :
SteveT: I think the following helps answer the first two questions and is giving the stock a little pop today. However, the prize behind door number three still seems a little elusive.
Valence Technology Inc. Signs Licensing Agreement with Tianjin Lishen Battery Stock Co., Ltd. BUSINESS WIRE AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)----Valence Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:VLNC), a leader in the development of safe Lithium Phosphate Cathode Materials and Intelligent Lithium Phosphate Packs, and Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint Stock Co., Ltd. (Lishen), a leader in high volume Lithium Cell Development and Manufacturing, have agreed to a technology and licensing agreement promoting the worldwide supply of high performance "Valence Proven" Lithium Phosphate Cells and Intelligent Lithium Phosphate Packs.
Under the terms of this agreement, Valence Technology will supply "Valence Certified" Lithium Phosphate Cathode Material to Lishen. In return, Lishen will supply "Valence Proven" Lithium Phosphate Cells to Valence to be assembled into Valence Intelligent Packs and will sell "Valence Proven" cells to selected Lishen customers.
Valence Technology's manufacturing goals:
1. Production and ongoing development of "Valence Certified" Phosphate Cathode Materials
2. Continued development of safe "Valence Proven" Phosphate Cells with superior batch-to-batch quality, reliability and World Trade Compliance
3. Production and ongoing development of Valence "Intelligent Battery Packs" built with the Company's revolutionary Command and Control Logic System
"Combining Valence's safe Lithium Phosphate Cathode Materials and Packs with Lishen's Reliable Cell will offer worldwide customers superior Lithium Phosphate Battery Solutions," said Ricky Hanna, Vice President of Worldwide Operations for Valence Technology, Inc.
"The signing of this agreement signifies a stable and growing relationship between Valence and Lishen that will promote Valence Lithium Phosphate Materials, Packs and Lishen Cells as an emerging standard in safe, high performance, rechargeable energy storage solutions," said Rui Liang, Vice President of Lishen Strategy and Marketing.
About Valence Technology, Inc.
Valence Technology developed and markets the industry's first commercially available, safe, large-format family of Lithium Phosphate Rechargeable Batteries. Valence Technology holds an extensive, worldwide portfolio of issued and pending patents relating to its Lithium Phosphate Rechargeable Ba
Jul 11, 2007 2:47 PM
James Joseph Kenney :
I noticed that VLNC was trading up over 16% after hours ($1.44) but didn't see any news. Perhaps the word that it beat out Altair and A123 batteries in this competition is starting to spread. We shall see tomorrow.
Valence Technology Inc. narrowed its net loss in the first quarter of its fiscal 2008. Valence [NASDAQ: VLNC] reported a first quarter net loss of $4 million, or 4 cents per share, compared with a loss of about $6 million, or 6 cents a share, in the same quarter a year ago.
During the first quarter, the company brought in $4 million in revenue, up slightly from revenue of $3 million in the same period last year.
"I am pleased to report improved financial results in virtually all areas of our business," says Robert L. Kanode, president and CEO of Valence Technology. "Our team continues to work diligently to increase revenue, improve gross margin and reduce operating costs to reach our ultimate goal of profitability."
Valence makes Lithium phosphate rechargeable batteries.
Aug 16, 2007 5:21 AM
Mark :
What I find absolutely amazingly stupid is that Toyota borrowed Calcars plugin prius (of which some versions use Valence batteries) and thus get 110-180mpg. They look at it and test it, return it. Build their own plugin prius - but one using standard NIMH rubbish batteries. They use 2 packs in parallel of the standard Prius battery (not LiFe batteries, LithiumIron) and get crappy 8mile electric range, but a reasonable 55mph top speed. There was an article online last month where Toyota unveiled it on Japanese TV. So, why ON EARTH are they sticking with NiMH batteries. The technology has definitely moved on. The Volt will beat the **** out of them with their 40mile electric range and a tiny ICE used only to charge the batteries... why don't they partner up with Valence?!?
Aug 16, 2007 5:29 AM
Mark :
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,2162465,00.asp ... Why our executives so negative about the battery technology - have they not heard about the Tesla Roadster, The Lightning, or the Phoenix SUV - idiots!
from the article... "It's difficult to say when plug-in hybrids could be commercialized, since it would depend largely on advances in battery technology," said Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto, in charge of Toyota's powertrain technology, told a news conference. The Toyota Plug-in HV, which is due to be tested also in the United States and Europe, has a cruising range of just 13 km (8 miles) on one charge, even with its trunkful of batteries.
end - so what do the rest of the forum think of these execs!!! I think they need a good slap!
Aug 20, 2007 9:30 AM
Mark :
I wonder how much Valence have done to promote their batteries by doing presentations to some of the smaller auto companies in Europe. Smart, Citroen (who don't do 4x4s), Skoda etc. They need to show: 1. how good their batteries are 2. offer a deep discount to a production run of 10000+ batteries and some of these companies would be urged to buy them for sure?
I'd have thought they could do really good hybrids and PHEVs with Valence's batteries. Valence have confirmed that they can get 1400 charge cycles to 95% charge rate (when doing 100% DOD charge cycles at C2. This is pretty revolutionary!) I think A123 claim 2300 cycles to 90% capacity - which is about the same line as 1400 charges to 95%. From A123's site they seem to charge quicker and can charge at -30 -> 65 instead of Valence's 10-50oC. 2300 charges x 100miles per charge is a range of 230,000 miles!
