The M1 battery is just incredible. Not only is it almost completely safe (
technical info and video here) , it also contains no cobalt so will be a good bit cheaper than other Lithium-ion when it gets up to decent manufacturing volumes.
However this is just their
power density battery - trying to pack a big punch from a small size battery for power tools and hybrid batteries. Each kilogram of battery can dish out 4 horsepower, which means an A123 battery capable of dishing out the same 21kW that the Prius pack does would only weigh
7 kg!!
BUT.... this is only the first of a series of batteries to come from A123 using their nanotech material. What I can't wait for is their
energy density battery, which they have said will also be revealed in 2006. If it's anything near or above 200 Wh/kg, but with the same safety and cycle life as the M1, then it's game over for the whole fuel cell idea and possibly even gasoline too. Bring it on!!
