The development of Ovonic nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries developed by Ovonic Battery Company, a Subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, has led to the introduction of the first commercial hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. All three American domestic automakers have also announced plans to produce HEV sport utility vehicles, more suited to the American market, and with an even greater positive impact on fuel conservation and environmental emissions. Novel water-cooled Ovonic Ni-MH BEV batteries aimed at these applications have been developed with a specific power in excess of 1000 W/kg. Full systems development has provided for production prototype battery packs complete with mechanical packaging, thermal management, electrical power interconnects, and electronic controls meeting vehicle manufacturer requirements. Our manufacturing joint venture with Chevron Texaco, Texaco Ovonic Battery Systems, is expanding its production facilities to meet the market needs for hybrid electric vehicles in North America.
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