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Sept 18, 2007
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Hitachi Maxell Announces Development of
High-Power Cylindrical Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
— Realizes maximum output of 20 amps — |
TOKYO, JAPAN, (September 18, 2007) --- Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., (Yoshito Tsunoda, President and Chief Executive Officer, TSE/OJE : 6810) today announced that it has developed an 18650-type high-power cylindrical lithium ion rechargeable battery (diameter: 18mm, height: 65mm). In addition to realizing a high output of up to 20 amps, the new battery has outstanding safety. Maxell will begin sample shipments at the end of 2007 and begin product shipments from spring 2008.
In the market for mid-size rechargeable batteries, demand of high-power required products are increased for such applications as electric power tools, electrically assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, and cordless home appliances. The batteries included in such products require large current discharges, ranging from several amps to several tens of amps. At present, those high outputs are principally achieved by using nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries. However, recently there has been a rapidly emerging trend toward the replacement of those batteries with lithium ion rechargeable batteries due to increasing concerns about environmental problems and efforts to make products lighter.
Accurately responding to those market trends, Maxell has developed a high-power cylindrical lithium ion rechargeable battery capable of large current discharges, which were regarded as an obstacle to the use of lithium ion rechargeable batteries for high-output applications. Maxell has enabled large current discharges and realized a maximum output of 20 amps by reducing the internal resistance of the positive electrode through the application of the Company’s original technology for uniform dispersion processes and by using a specially treated negative electrode material. Further, the Company has realized a battery with even greater safety and reliability through the use of Maxell’s original positive electrode composition, which includes a spinel-type lithium manganese oxide that has high thermal stability, and the use of a separator that has minimal thermal contraction.
Maxell has exploited its high-precision packing technology and thin-film coating technology for magnetic tapes to develop and market high-capacity prismatic lithium ion rechargeable batteries. The Company has positioned its recently developed high-powered cylindrical lithium ion rechargeable battery as one of its business projects, which are tasked with accelerating the establishment of businesses. Maxell will deploy this new battery to target the significant demand that the market for mid-size rechargeable batteries promises.
Giving first priority to high safety levels, Maxell will continue multifaceted technology development efforts aimed at advancing performance, capacity, environment friendliness, and other product features. At the same time, the Company aims to further expand its battery business by rolling out a new lineup of lithium ion rechargeable batteries.
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| ICR18650PA |
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ICR26650PA
(reference, under development) |
・Principal Features
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Realization of high power output |
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Maxell realized an 18650-type battery with a maximum output of 20 amps by reducing the internal resistance of the positive electrode through the application of the Company’s original technology for uniform dispersion processes and by improving lithium capacity through the use of a specially treated negative electrode material. |
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| 2. |
Outstanding Safety |
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The Company achieved a battery with even greater safety and reliability through the use of Maxell’s original positive electrode composition, which includes a spinel-type lithium manganese oxide that has high thermal stability, and the use of a separator that has minimal thermal contraction even at abnormally high temperatures. |
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| 3. |
Compatibility with High-Power Applications |
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Because it combines the high voltage that characterizes lithium ion rechargeable batteries with high output, the 18650PA is compatible with high-power applications (electric power tools, electrically assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, cordless home appliances, etc.) for which nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries were previously used. |
・Principal Specifications of the Maxell PA Series
| Type |
ICR18650PA |
ICR26650PA |
| Size |
Diameter: 18mm,
Height: 65mm |
Diameter: 26mm,
Height: 65mm |
| Capacity (0.2C during discharge) |
1,500mAh |
2,600mAh |
| Standard charge voltage |
4.2V |
4.2V |
| Discharge cut-off voltage |
2.5V |
2.5V |
| Energy density |
336Wh/L |
279Wh/L |
| Maximum output |
20A |
60A |
| Cycle life |
500 cycles |
500 cycles |
| Weight |
45g |
90g |
| Sample shipment |
End of 2007 |
To be determined |
| Product shipment |
Spring 2008 |
To be determined |
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・About Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. (TSE/OSE: 6810) is a leading global manufacturer of information storage media products, including magnetic tapes, optical discs, and battery products such as lithium ion rechargeable batteries, micro batteries and alkaline dry batteries. Since its foundation in 1960, Hitachi Maxell has led the electronics industry at home and abroad in the fields of storage media and batteries and the brand“Maxell”is globally recognized. In addition, Hitachi Maxell is also focused on devices and materials, such as optical components and functional materials based on Maxell’s core technologies. For more information on Hitachi Maxell, please visit the company's Web site at www.maxell.com/. |
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