Recent developments on lithium ion batteries at SAFT

Li ion system has been implemented in various cell sizes and technologies, for very different applications. While cobalt oxide is the positive material chosen for voltage compatibility in portable applications, using conventional liquid electrolyte technology or polymer type for thin batteries, nickel-based oxides give excellent performances in the large batteries, designed for electric vehicles or satellites. All these battery designs are described, and same performances presented. These results show that the Li ion concept, widely used presently in small portable batteries, can bring very impressive improvement in power capability as well as long cycle life, besides the well established high energy density. Thanks to basic studies intensively engaged many years ago in its R&D Centres, SAFT is now using the Li Ion electrochemical system in the main development programs for a new generation of power sources. Both fields of expertise of SAFT, small portable and large industrial batteries, are involved in manufacturing or developing these power sources, addressing a very large market from, portable phones to EVs. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.