Diverse chemistries, form factors broaden selections
Primary and secondary lithium batteries and packs from Hong Kong constitute LiSOCl2, LiFeS2 and LiMnO2 types in cylindrical, button cell and other form factors. Rechargeable variants are likewise available.
Aside from mainstream AAA, AA, C, D and button-cell configurations, lithium batteries may be manufactured in custom shapes and sizes. Most makers have the capability to design from the ground up based on buyers’ specifications. Additional parts such as a plastic outer case, cable, pin and connector can be integrated into the products.
The main applications are consumer electronic devices such as portable media players and digital cameras. Laptops, mobile phones and children’s toys are other target uses. Only a few Hong Kong makers are developing batteries for electric vehicles due to lack of design and manufacturing experience for the segment. These select enterprises develop mainly LiFePO4 for light EVs and tools.
The territory has about 15 suppliers of primary and secondary lithium batteries and packs. After a stagnant 2009, exports rebounded strongly in 2010. Outbound deliveries from January to September last year reached 300 million Li-ion batteries for an aggregate value of $677.8 million, higher by 77 percent over the same period in 2009. For primary lithium batteries, 477 million units amounting to $121.5 million were shipped, an increase of 52 percent YoY. Most manufacturers in Hong Kong have in-house R&D teams responsible for keeping product lineups up-to-date. This group also works to lower self-discharge rate, extend life span, improve reliability and broaden temperature range. Companies have dedicated crew for QC as well.
Heter Electronics Group specializes in LiFePO4 power batteries and battery packs, Li-ion batteries, ultra capacitors and LiFePO4 battery materials. It is one of the first global suppliers of LiFe primary batteries in both cylindrical and button shapes.
EEMB Co. Ltd provides primary and secondary lithium batteries. Its monthly output of 9 million units comprises LiFePO4, LiSOCl2, LiMnO2 and Li-polymer batteries with 20mAh to 10Ah single-cell capacity. Shun Wo New Power Battery Technology Ltd’s lithium power packs were among the first mainland China-made batteries to obtain UL listing. The company supplies a range of button-cell variants and LiMnO2 and Li-polymer packs. Some of its products’ technical specifications even exceed Japan’s JIS C 8512 and IEC 60086-2 standards.
Power Glory Battery Tech (HK) Co. Ltd offers 3V LiMnO2 button cell and cylindrical, 3.6V LiSOCl2 cylindrical and Li-polymer thin-cell models.