Through the agreement with Ingram Micro, PowerGenix batteries will be sold in stores, including several major retail chains, as well as through a number of online outlets. They are currently available at the Canadian portal of Amazon.com, Amazon.ca. The announcement comes four months after PowerGenix batteries debuted online at three major retailers—Amazon.com, DepotEco and GreenBatteries.com—and as the batteries were named as winner of a Popular Science Best of What’s New Award.
“Retailers are seeking products that deliver on their green guarantees without sacrificing performance, making PowerGenix batteries an inventory must-have,” said PowerGenix CEO Dan Squiller. “Ingram Micro plays a key role in bringing breakthrough technologies to retailers’ shelves. Through our partnership, we are quickly growing our retail presence and expanding the market for rechargeable batteries, proving rechargeable batteries can deliver the power high-drain consumer electronics need.”
The limited performance capabilities of rechargeable AA batteries have historically hampered their market acceptance, as portable consumer electronic devices, such as cameras and flashlights, are designed for optimal use with more powerful disposable batteries. PowerGenix’s Nickel-Zinc AA’s are the first rechargeable batteries to deliver a power equivalent to disposable alkaline batteries—a 30-percent increase compared to conventional AA rechargeable battery technologies.
In addition to offering advanced rechargeable battery performance, PowerGenix’s NiZn batteries are also safe, non-combustible and nontoxic, certified by independent third party testing to contain no heavy metals such as lead, cadmium or mercury.
PowerGenix batteries are the first NiZn chemistry to be certified by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC). The batteries are recyclable at all points of sale as part of RBRC’s more than 50,000 drop-off points in North America.
PowerGenix has developed and patented a high-power and low-cost Nickel-Zinc battery for power intensive electronics, toys, power tools and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). PowerGenix Nickel-Zinc batteries are a higher performing and environmental friendly replacement for Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries in the multi-billion dollar rechargeable battery market–providing a smaller, lighter and highly recyclable alternative to existing technologies.
PowerGenix puts its NiZn-powered HEV on display
NiZn HEV boasts 30% more mileage and many more important benefits. PowerGenix’s Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) powered Toyota Prius showcased at the 2009 San Diego International Auto Show, December 31, 2008 – January 4, 2009. Taking part with the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego, the advanced battery vehicle was featured in the Eco-Center, the main feature of the 2009 show. Inherently safe and less expensive than traditional Nickel Metal-Hydride HEV batteries, PowerGenix’s NiZn is also 40% smaller and lighter, key features to bringing eco-friendly vehicles to everyday lives.
PowerGenix Supplies Batteries to North American Light Electric Vehicle Market
Nickel-Zinc Batteries to Provide Zero Emission Power Supply for Veloteq Corporation ebikes
San Diego – September 2, 2008 – PowerGenix, manufacturer of nontoxic, safe, high performance rechargeable nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries, today announced that it has entered into a supply agreement with PowerEagle, the leading manufacturer of electric bicycles in China. Under the agreement, PowerGenix will supply its NiZn cells for pack fabrication into the entire product line offered by Veloteq, PowerEagle’s North American sales and distribution partner, beginning in 2009.
PowerGenix’s power systems will be featured in both Veloteq’s "power-on-demand" models, powered exclusively by the electric motor, as well as "power-assist" models that require manual pedaling assisted by the electric motor. PowerGenix batteries will also be incorporated in future product developments including an electric motorcycle that complies with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards. PowerGenix’s batteries offer market-leading power density and reduced pack weight, allowing Veloteq to increase the power output and range of their bikes while still achieving battery pack weight savings of 60 percent.
By providing more power and runtime in a smaller and lighter form factor, PowerGenix’s NiZn batteries allow ebike users to travel 40 miles on a single charge costing as little as 3 cents, five to six times less expensive compared with lead-acid batteries. In addition, charge time is cut down 75 percent to about 1 to 2 hours, providing enhanced mobility and longer travel ranges for ebike commuters.
PowerGenix’s NiZn batteries also offer greater durability, extending the power system’s useful lifespan by more than double that of lead acid batteries. Further, PowerGenix’s NiZn batteries provide a cleaner environmental alternative and have received RoHS compliance, certification that they contain no toxic heavy metals such as lead.
"We’ve found the silver bullet with PowerGenix’s NiZn batteries – the unparalleled power-density enables us to achieve optimum performance while reducing power system size and weight," explained Jim Wood, President of Veloteq. "We investigated both nickel metal-hydride and lithium-ion technologies, but found that under deep discharge conditions only PowerGenix’s NiZn provided the high storage capacity our robust power systems require while meeting Veloteq’s strict safety and reliability mandates."
"PowerGenix’s NiZn batteries are the ideal technology to meet the growing demand for light electric vehicles driven by soaring gas prices and growing environmental concerns over tailpipe emissions," said PowerGenix CEO Dan Squiller. "Partnering our nontoxic, safe and recyclable battery packs with Veloteq’s industry leading pollution-free vehicle transport fits perfectly with our focus on high-performance and environmental care."
PowerGenix powered ebikes and the new Veloteq Vader electric motorcycle
About PowerGenix
PowerGenix has developed and patented a high-energy density, high-cycle life and low-cost Nickel-Zinc battery targeting the market for energy intensive electronics and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Specifically designed to utilize existing Nickel-Cadmium manufacturing processes, techniques and equipment, PowerGenix offers the supply chain scaling and security OEMs require. With its patented rechargeable Nickel-Zinc battery technology, PowerGenix is pursuing applications to replace existing Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries in the multi-billion dollar rechargeable battery market.
Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the world’s leading global private equity firms, with offices in 15 countries on four continents. A driving force in international private equity for more than two decades, Advent has built an unparalleled global platform of over 120 investment professionals across Western and Central Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. Since inception, Advent has raised $24 billion in private equity capital and completed more than 250 buyout and private equity transactions valued at over $40 billion in 40 countries. For more information, visit www.adventinternational.com
Angeleno Group (AG) is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on high-growth investments in the energy sector. AG makes investments broadly across the energy industry to support innovative, well-managed, rapidly growing companies. www.angelenogroup.com
Bessemer Venture Partners is a global investment group with offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, Bangalore, Mumbai, Beijing, and Tel Aviv. As the oldest venture capital practice in the United States, Bessemer has partnered as an active, hands-on investor in Ciena, Ingersoll Rand, Parametric, Skype, Staples, VeriSign and W.R. Grace and over 100 other companies that have gone public. www.bvp.com
Braemar Energy Ventures is a venture capital fund making early- to mid-stage investments in the energy technology sector. The firm’s principals have invested in more than 50 companies in the sector and have significant technical, operational and financial experience in energy and energy-related industries. Through offices in New York and Boston, the firm targets a wide range of energy technologies that impact stationary power, transportation and portable energy applications. www.braemarenergy.com
Granite Ventures, LLC has been helping early-stage technology companies build solid foundations for success since 1992. Granite has managed over $1 billion in venture capital and has invested in more than 100 private companies. They partner with promising and successful entrepreneurs to create businesses that have a competitive edge, and help those businesses achieve category leadership. www.granitevc.com
OnPoint Technologies, Inc. is a strategic early-stage venture investor with a mission to discover, invest in and support companies developing innovative technology at the intersection of the commercial and defense markets. www.onpoint.us
Technology Partners is a 24 year venture capital firm that has managed more than $750 million of investment capital with current investments being made from Technology Partners Fund VIII. The firm has invested in more than 100 companies in a variety of industries serving principally as a lead investor. The firm is regarded as one of the pioneering firms in Cleantech, having invested half its capital into Energy Technology, Water Technology, and Advanced Materials for many years – and the other half into Life Sciences. www.technologypartners.com
