Technological assessment and evaluation of high power batteries and their commercial values

Abstract

Lithium Ion (Li-ion) battery technology has the potential to compete with the more matured Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery technology in the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) energy storage market as it has higher specific energy and energy. However, in order to improve Li-ion battery technology to fulfill the' HEV energy storage requirements, a very high specific power characteristic is needed to boost its commercial attractiveness. The high specific power characteristic will in turn lead to better a vehicle performances, reduced fuel consumption and emissions. In this thesis, we quantify the fuel savings benefits from HEV, and the marginal value of each W/kg improvement in this battery technology. From the analysis, we conclude that the marginal value of regenerative braking, acceleration, social cost and fuel economy are $13.83, $22.64, $0.9959 and 0.0987 MPG per W/kg per each HEV lifespan respectively. Besides, a variety of start-up companies in various stages of commercialization of these technologies as well as the related intellectual property strategies are also discussed. Finally, suggestion of potential business strategies for licensing and commercializing Li-ion battery technology with respect to HEV energy storage market is presented.