Bosch, GS Yuasa, and Mitsubishi Corp look to double capacity of EV batteries

Robert Bosch GmbH along with Kyoto-based GS Yuasa International and Toyota-based Mitsubishi Corporation have set up a joint venture called Lithium Energy and Power GmbH & Co. The new company, headquartered in Stuttgart, will develop next-generation lithium-ion battery technology. 

“In setting up this JV, we want to achieve nothing less than a giant leap forward in the development of battery technology. Our aim is to make lithium-ion batteries twice as efficient,” said Dr Volkmar Denner, who, as chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, is responsible for R&D. 
For electric vehicles, more efficient batteries mean greater range. For consumers, the car will also be more affordable, since the rechargeable batteries can be smaller. The three companies in the JV say they are confident that electromobility will become a mass market from 2020 onward.
Bosch says it will support these joint activities with its entire portfolio of components for electromobility. With its competence in the area of battery packs and battery management systems, the supplier specialises in the monitoring and control of cells and complete systems, as well as in integrating them into vehicles. In addition, it will contribute its know-how in production processes and quality management relating to the large-scale series production of complex products. 
GS Yuasa will contribute its experience in manufacturing lithium-ion battery cells whose high density makes for a longer range, as well as its expertise in materials systems and electrochemistry. As an established manufacturer of automotive and non-automotive lithium-ion battery cells, GS Yuasa has a strong engineering team and modern production lines with a high level of automation. 
Mitsubishi Corporation will contribute its global sales network and experience as an integrated global business enterprise. In addition, the company will use its strengths in the establishment of global value-added chains – which include raw materials, semi-finished products, and marketing – to take the joint venture forward.