A123 Systems distrbuting batteries to electric motorsports through Mavizen

/
It hasn't been easy for many aspiring EV builders to get A123's lithium cells for their projects, but a new deal struck by the battery maker and Mavizen may change that. The TTXGP-affiliated electric motorcycle maker has reached an agreement that will see them distributing their AMP20 prismatic cells, ostensibly for motorsport applications. They will eventually have access to other product as well.

A123 battery packs are already responsible for an impressive list of motorsport accomplishments. They could be found in the TTXGP North America-winning Lightning Motors bike, they helped the Lawless Rocket set a quarter-mile electric motorcycle record last year and they were in the Killacycle who had held that record previously.

Mavizen isn't limiting sales to bike builders though. They're about to ship 1,000 cells that we're told are for a non-motorcycle application with more in the works. They are considering 2011 to be something of a "build-out year" and hope to really make this relationship fruitful in the future. They also say they will have more OEM deals to announce later this year. Official press release awaits after the break.

[Source: Mavizen via Wired]

Show full PR text
PRESS RELEASE


Mavizen is proud to announce a supply and distribution agreement with A123 Systems by which Mavizen will offer A123's advanced Nanophosphate® lithium ion battery technology for two-wheeled high-performance motorsports applications.

A123 is the world's first Tier 1 OEM supplier to directly set up an official distribution channel for the advancement of clean-tech motorsports.



Initially, Mavizen will offer A123's AMP20 prismatic cells and over the course of the relationship, intends to offer the full portfolio of A123's lithium ion battery cells, which are designed to deliver a combination of high energy and power density. A123's solutions also demonstrate industry-leading abuse tolerance coupled with excellent life performance under the most rigorous duty cycles.

"The demanding requirements of motorsports applications test the limits of battery technology, and racing teams that use A123's products have historically enjoyed tremendous success. But they also constantly push us to continue innovating to further enhance performance capabilities," said Robert Johnson, vice president of the Energy Solutions Group at A123 Systems. "By partnering with Mavizen, we are able to remain involved with these teams and will continue to demonstrate our ingenuity and ability to design advanced lithium ion technology that delivers excellent performance capabilities in even the most extreme conditions. We expect that teams in electric motorcycle racing and other two-wheel motorsports will be able to gain a competitive advantage by deploying A123's products."

Racing vehicles powered by A123's advanced Nanophosphate lithium ion technology have a successful track record in motorsports competitions and other high-performance applications, including:

· In 2010, A123's battery technology propelled the LightningMotorcycles team to the TTXGP North America championship.

· A123's Nanophosphate lithium ion cells power the KillaCycle®, which claims to be the quickest and most powerful electric motorcycle in the world with 500hp and an acceleration from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than one second.

· A123's technology powers the Buckeye Bullet, a landspeed racing team out of the Center for Automotive Research at The Ohio State University that set a new international electric vehicle speed record of 307 mph in August 2010.

Born from a need in the motorsport industry of specialist technical support, Mavizen is an enabler to race teams worldwide. Mavizen has successfully assisted several teams to podium within the TTXGP World Series in 2010 through building partnerships that deliver support, trackside assistance and access to some of the world's most advanced transport technology.

"A123 Systems has demonstrated that the combination of excellent performance, increased safety and long life offered by its best-in-class battery technology is optimal for motorsports applications," said Azhar Hussain, CEO of Mavizen and founder of TTXGP, the international race series that aims to provide a high-profile platform for the development of electric vehicles. "We are proud to be the exclusive provider of A123's technologies for two-wheel high-performance motor sports. Our technology partnership with a tier one supplier like A123 allows us to employ the latest in safety and competition technologies. This marks a fresh milestone in the rapid growth of electric motorsport and reinforces Mavizen's position as the premier company active in this growth opportunity."

More Information