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Who'a Who in Ceramics Ceramic-powered electric vehicle Prototypes 12 to 24 months off.

Article Excerpt
Altair Nanotechnologies of Reno, NV, recently tested its first batch of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, using the company's nanostructured advanced ceramic electrode materials.

"Testing has revealed that they perform at minus 22 degrees F," comments Alan Gotcher, president of CEO of Altair. "Conventional Li-ion batteries and the nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrid electric vehicles become either sluggish or unable to charge at temperatures below freezing." The new ceramic-based products are also safer at the higher end of the temperature spectrum. "Unlike conventional Li-ion batteries that risk spontaneous and catastrophic failure at temperatures above 266 degrees, the safety threshold for Altairnano's nano-structured lithium titanate spinel elctrodes is 480 degrees," says Gotcher, who described his company's nano developments in Senate testimony earlier this year.

ALtairnano told High Tech Ceramic News that "it's likely we could see prototypes (of electric vehicles using the new ceramic technology) in the next 12-24 months.

The company last month announced a new partnership to develop the battery technology,...

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