Here is some other information posted on this.
Patent encumbrance of NiMH batteries
In 1994, General Motors acquired a controlling interest in _Ovonics_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Ovonics) 's battery development and manufacturing,
including patents controlling the manufacturing of large _nickel metal hydride
(NiMH) batteries_ (
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride_battery) .
In 2001, _Texaco_ (
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Texaco) purchased GM's share
in GM Ovonics. A few months later, Chevron acquired Texaco. In 2003, Texaco
Ovonics Battery Systems was restructured into _Cobasys_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Cobasys) , a 50/50 joint venture between Chevron and _Energy
Conversion Devices (ECD) Ovonics_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Energy_Conversio n_Devices_ Ovonics) ._[12]_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-11) Chevron's influence over Cobasys extends beyond a strict 50/50
joint venture. Chevron holds a 19.99% interest in ECD Ovonics._[13] _
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-12) Chevron also maintains
veto power over any sale or licensing of NiMH technology._ [14]_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-ecdowners- 13) In addition,
Chevron maintains the right to seize all of Cobasys' intellectual property
rights in the event that ECD Ovonics does not fulfill its contractual
obligations. _[14]_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-ecdowners- 13) On September 10, 2007, Chevron filed a legal claim that ECD Ovonics
has not fulfilled its obligations. ECD Ovonics disputes this claim._[15]_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-14) Since that time,
the arbitration hearing was repeatedly suspended while the parties negotiate
with an unknown prospective buyer. No agreement has been reached with the
potential buyer. _[16]_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-15) NiMH patent expires in 2015.
In her book, _Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that Will Recharge America_
(
http://www.newsocie ty.com/bookid/ 3934) , published in February 2007, _Sherry
Boschert_ (
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Sherry_Boschert) argues that large-format
NiMH batteries are commercially viable but that Cobasys refuses to sell or
license them to small companies or individuals. Boschert reveals that Cobasys
accepts only very large orders for these batteries. When Boschert conducted her
research, major auto makers showed little interest in large orders for
large-format NiMH batteries. However, Toyota employees complained about the
difficulty in getting smaller orders of large format NiMH batteries to service the
existing 825 RAV-4EVs. Since no other companies were willing to make large
orders, Cobasys was not manufacturing nor licensing any large format NiMH
battery technology for automotive purposes. Boschert concludes that "it's possible
that Cobasys (Chevron) is squelching all access to large NiMH batteries
through its control of patent licenses in order to remove a competitor to
gasoline. Or it's possible that Cobasys simply wants the market for itself and is
waiting for a major automaker to start producing plug-in hybrids or electric
vehicles."_[ 17]_ (
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-16)
However, recently-signed Cobasys contracts demonstrate that the company is
willing to use its NiMH technology in the automotive industry, specifically for
use with _hybrid electric vehicles_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Hybrid_electric_ vehicle) . In December 2006, Cobasys and _General Motors_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ General_Motors) announced that they had signed a contract
under which Cobasys provides NiMH batteries for the _Saturn Aura hybrid
sedan_ (
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Saturn_Aura# Aura_Green_ Line) ._[18]_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-17) In March 2007, GM
announced that it would use Cobasys NiMH batteries in the 2008 _Chevrolet
Malibu hybrid_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Chevrolet_ Malibu#Sixth_ Generation_ 2008-future) as well. Cobasys remains unwilling to sell NiMH batteries in
smaller quantities to individuals or companies interested in building or
retrofitting their own PHEVs.[_citation needed_
(
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Wikipedia: Citation_ needed) ]
Still other actions by Cobasys suggest that the company remains unwilling to
make NiMH battery technology economically feasible for the development of
automobiles that rely on electric motor technology more than currently available
hybrid cars. In October 2007, International Acquisitions Services, Inc.,
Innovative Transportation Systems AG and Neville Chamberlain filed suit against
Cobasys and its parents for refusing to fill a large, previously agreed-upon
order for large-format NiMH batteries to be used in the electric Innovan.
_[19]_ (
http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Nickel_metal_ hydride#cite_ note-18)
Saft offers their NHE NiMH Modules with capacities of 100Ah and 200Ah.
In a message dated 5/16/2008 1:02:34 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
banger_27@yahoo. com writes:
Saft makes a 100ah Nimh battery that would work well for the truck. Its just
a matter of finding a way to get them. I believe that the price would run
around $16-18K for a Nimh pack for the Ranger. These batteries also have the
advantage of being water cooled, which solves some of the cooling problems
that the Nimh rangers had.
