Robert Bosch GmbH and the Japanese companies GS Yuasa International Ltd., based in Kyoto, and Mitsubishi Corporation, based in Tokyo, have agreed to work together on the next generation of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The three companies intend to set up a joint research and development venture. While the establishment of the joint venture is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities, operations are planned to start at the beginning of 2014. The new company’s headquarters will be Stuttgart (Germany).
According to the press-release, the companies consider lithium-ion batteries to be fundamental for future forms of mobility, such as plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicles. The new joint venture will aim to use advanced cell management and the most recent advances in electrochemistry and materials science to increase the energy density of the batteries. This will reduce weight and space requirements, and increase the range of electric vehicles.
Bosch intends to hold a 50 percent stake in the joint venture, with GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi Corporation each holding 25 percent. The composition of the board of management and supervisory board will reflect these shareholdings.
Bosch will contribute its know-how in production processes and quality management relating to the large-scale series production of complex products. With its competence in the area of battery packs and battery management systems, Bosch specializes in the monitoring and control of cells and complete battery systems, as well as in integrating them into vehicles. In addition, Bosch will support these joint activities with its entire portfolio of components for electromobility.
GS Yuasa will contribute its many years of experience in manufacturing lithium-ion cells whose high density makes for a longer range, as well as its expertise in materials systems and electrochemistry. As an established manufacturer of automotive and non-automotive lithium-ion battery cells, GS Yuasa has a strong engineering team and modern production lines with a high level of automation.
Mitsubishi Corporation will contribute its worldwide marketing network and expertise as a global integrated business enterprise. Mitsubishi Corporation will apply its strengths in building global value chains, covering natural resources, material, sales and take advantage of their synergy to advance this business.
