Local battery industry readies for hybrid vehicles
TECHNOLOGICAL advancements in the motor industry with a global shift towards environmentally friendly electric or hybrid vehicles, is putting pressure on local battery manufacturers towards production of lithium –ion batteries as demand for these is seen growing.
This comes as the Government imposed a ban on import of vehicles that are 10 years old. As a result, hybrid models such as the Honda fit and Toyota Aqua and Prius have become popular in the market. The all electric Nissan Leaf is also fast becoming a darling.
Local manufacturers have indicated an increase in enquiries on the Lithium technology in the market and technological advancements make it inevitable for the shift.
The market is also increasingly driving towards reduced emissions of fossil fuel and need for increased energy densities in battery packs - lithium-ion, maintenance free batteries.
Energy experts say these are a high power-to-weight ratio, high energy efficiency, good high-temperature performance, and low self-discharge and most components of lithium-ion batteries can be recycled, but the cost of material recovery remains a challenge for the industry.
Battery Manufacturers Association (BMA) are already angling for this lucrative market although the traditional battery is still here.
“We are strategically positioning ourselves to be a player in the lithium-ion battery field. The growing demand for lithium battery is for storing power for the electric vehicles, however the traditional battery won't go away soon because the other accessories are powered by lead acid batteries mainly maintenance free,” said the BMA chairman Kudzai Pasipanodya in an interview.
“Battery manufacturers have the technology already and working on further improving the art of making these batteries. Market still requires the lead acid batteries as storage of power. Lithium-ion prices are still beyond the reach of most of our customers. Chloride is monitoring the situations and having dialogue with global players in the establishment of partnerships as we seek to fully venture into the emerging market,” he said.
Pasipanodya added opportunities for the business were vast in Zimbabwe where hybrid vehicles are beginning to flood the market, particularly the Honda variety.
A Wall Street Journal report recently indicated Toyota would invest US$14 billion on electric car battery plants.
“A quick glance in the vehicle market will show the presence of hybrid vehicles most notable of the Honda variety. This market presents an opportunity for the lithium-ion industry as both Lithium-ion and Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) are used to cater for this market.
“The demand for increased energy densities in standby applications presents an opportunity for the Lithium-ion field as these batteries provide high energy storage capacity for a relatively smaller size.
“However, the overall amp hour cost for lithium is still very high for the customers and it's not economically viable to start manufacturing considering the demand,” said Pasipanodya.
The sector however acknowledges the lithium technology manufacturing requires a huge capital outlay and as such will venture into this market in phases. The growing demand for lithium batteries will also work to Zimbabwe's advantage as the country boasts the largest lithium reserves in Africa with proven deposits are in Bikita, Goromonzi, and Kamativi.
However, the process might be long before the country starts reaping the rewards due to the complexity of the processing of the ore to the point where the lithium-ions are intercalated into the battery electrodes.