Mazda, ELIIY Power and Ube Industries come together for Lithium-ion starter batteries

The three companies will work together to develop durable, heat- and impact-resistant 12-Volt lithium-ion batteries as a viable replacement for lead-acid starter batteries in motor vehicles by 2021.

Mazda, ELIIY Power and Ube Industries will combine their technical strengths to develop lead-free automotive batteries that would withstand high temperatures of the engine room and the potential impact forces during a collision.

Making use of the industry-leading computer-aided model-based development techniques it honed while developing SKYACTIV Technology, Mazda will conduct model-based research of the chemical reactions that occur inside batteries, develop technologies to manage high-performance batteries from a vehicle-total perspective and develop a general purpose model for their use.

ELIIY Power will leverage its experience in developing safe, water-proof, impact-resistant battery technologies with excellent cold-weather performance to lead design and development of the basic battery unit.

Ube Industries has made significant contributions to improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries and expanding their range of applications. Its functional electrolytes have brought improvements in battery safety and longevity, and enabled higher capacity for higher voltage batteries. The company will use its accumulated expertise and engineering prowess to develop an electrolyte with a higher flash point and better heat resistance. 

The joint development project aims to make a next-generation battery for widespread use in place of conventional lead-acid starter batteries. The three companies will assess prospects for further collaboration in a range of fields, including using the technologies that result from this project as a base for other low-voltage lithium-ion batteries applicable to vehicle electrification technologies other than starter batteries.