US based Energy Power Systems, LLC (EPS) is set for full commercialisation of its advanced lead-acid Planar Layered Matrix™ technology (PLM) battery.
The Michigan based company is set to begin commercial scale battery production in early 2016 after creating a high-volume manufacturing facility in Pontiac, Michigan.
The company, founded in 2011 by energy and business industry leaders, aims to reach an initial annual production capacity of 500 MWh – the equivalent of 500,000 start/stop vehicle batteries.
PLM technology represents a new category of valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries designed for high-cycle and high-power applications while providing better high- temperature durability.
ESP claims the PML batteries will provide several times the service life of conventional Absorbant Glass Matt (AGM) batteries at around $150/kWh.
The new facility in Pontiac, Michigan, will use state-of-the-art, ultra-low emission manufacturing processes and produce batteries for use in start/stop and micro-hybrid vehicles; utility-scale distributed energy storage; renewable energy integration; and fast-charging infrastructure for electric propulsion vehicles.
Subhash Dhar, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EPS, said: “The EPS team has successfully completed the product development phase and we are now launching the commercialisation phase.
“This major milestone is a testament to the proven performance attributes of our PLM™ technology.”
The new facility will create more than 300 new high-tech and manufacturing jobs during the initial production phase.
The company is leasing 150,000 square feet of the former General Motors Pontiac Centerpoint Central building from Industrial Realty Group (IRG).
EPS received support from the State of Michigan, including the Legislature, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Oakland County and the City of Pontiac.
UPDATE: Ivan Menjak, Senior Director Business Development and Strategic Marketing, at EPS told BEST that work on the new facility has already began with various building remodeling and site preparation.
He also confirmed that the production from the facility is slated to begin this December, and not 2016 as previously stated.
