Demand for lithium-ion batteries is growing as a power source for mobile devices such as laptop computers and mobile phones because their high energy density and light weight properties are suitable for these applications. As such devices become more sophisticated and powerful, they require more robust and safer batteries that do not cause abnormal heating.
The company successfully achieved safety and high capacity by using its unique Heat Resistance Layer (HRL) technology that forms an insulating metal oxide layer between the positive and negative electrodes. The layer prevents the battery from overheating even if a short circuit occurs.
Capitalizing on this technology, Panasonic commercialized a high-capacity 2.9 Ah lithium-ion battery with a nickel positive electrode (energy density: 620 Wh/L) in 2006. Based on the cell construction with the nickel positive electrode and the HRL, the company added improvements to the battery and succeeded in developing the 3.1 Ah lithium-ion battery, the industry’s highest capacity in the 18650-type*. The new battery provides long-lasting power to laptops.
This high energy density battery can also contribute to downsizing and weight reduction of portable devices. With adoption of the nickel positive electrode, the new rechargeable battery excels in durability in actual use and charge retention – the battery can be stored for a long period of time because of low self-discharge.
Panasonic will continue to refine its battery technology to deliver lithium-ion batteries combining safety with high capacity and use this technology to develop commercially viable green energy storage systems. It envisions a variety of applications for this product, including electric vehicles and household electricity storage.
Panasonic Corporation announced that it has completed acquisition of a majority of the voting stock of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. With this acquisition, SANYO has become a consolidated subsidiary of Panasonic and will continue pursuing its business as a Panasonic Group company.
Upon conclusion of a Capital and Business Alliance Agreement on December 19, 2008, the two companies set up a Collaboration Committee. While working to secure approvals for the acquisition from antitrust authorities at home and abroad, they began discussing, within the framework of applicable regulations, how to manage and strengthen the merged company’s business and financial positions.
The new Panasonic Group will strive to realize synergies as early as possible by bringing together the technologies and manufacturing expertise each cultivated over the years and leverage the group synergies to the fullest extent to hone the competitive edge in the global market.
Particularly in the energy business where future growth is expected globally, the Group will strive to become the No. 1 Environmental Innovation Company in the world electronics industry by 2018, when Panasonic marks its 100th anniversary. To achieve this goal, it will capitalize on its solid operating base built upon its industry-leading technologies and innovative products.
Panasonic will outline business strategies for the new Panasonic Group when it unveils its new mid-term business plan in the next fiscal year.
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 7.77 trillion yen (US$78.4 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2009. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE: PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a leading company for energy and environment, providing solutions for energy, environment and lifestyle applications based on its brand vision ‘Think GAIA.’ SANYO’s businesses are divided into three business domains: Energy, Ecology and Electronics. These three areas cover a broad range of products and services such as rechargeable batteries, photovoltaic systems, HVAC/R equipment, digital imaging devices, personal navigation systems, home appliances, electronic components and others. For further information, please visit SANYO’s web site at http://sanyo.com/.
