Li-ion battery makers eye automotive sector

An increasing number of makers of Li-ion batteries in China are setting their sights on the high end because of escalating orders from the automotive industry. Global advocacies on energy saving and low carbon usage push development in the line. The worldwide market will reach $24.8 billion by 2014, increasing 215 times from 2008 according to Motorlink.

Although this field remains the turf of Japan, Germany and US companies, several enterprises in China are taking their chance to penetrate the lucrative market.

Zhuhai Yintong, for instance, purchased 51 percent of the shares of Altair Nanotechnologies, a US-based Li-ion manufacturer specializing in automotives. Huizhou Great New Energy Co. Ltd and UTL Technology Co. Ltd have also expressed plans to develop such products in the next three years. The latter is currently constructing a 100,000sqm facility in Ji’an, Jiangxi province. When the first phase starts operating, the daily output of Li-ion batteries is projected to reach 500,000 units. The supplier likewise aims to expand yield for high-end variants.

There are currently more than 300 suppliers of Li-ion batteries in China. Most suppliers provide low-end and midrange models.