8/05/2008 PERMALINK
3x the energy density of the best lithium-ion batteries EEStor claims to have taken a big step toward high-volume production of its previously announced ultracapacitor-based energy-storage system. EEStor claims their electrical energy storage unit (EESU) packs in more than 3x the energy density of the best lithium-ion batteries currently available. They also claim that their solid-state device will be safer, last longer, and recharge in less than five minutes. Engineers outside the company are skeptical of the claims, but EEStor has won support from some significant backers including Lockheed Martin, venture-capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, former Dell Computer chairman Morton Topfer, who sits on EEStor's board and Toronto-based electric car maker ZENN Motor Company. ZENN is both an EEStor investor and expects to offer an EESU-powered car in the fall of 2009. The company says their car will be inexpensive and have a top speed of 80 miles per hour and a 250-mile range ... more ... more