Clearing the Fog Around Lithium-ion Traction Batteries

Source: Wheels Unplugged (6/15/11)

"The patent race will unfold with third-generation lithium batteries."

Wheels Unplugged

Dr. Peter Harrop from IDTechEx pinpoints a common source of confusion with deep implications for lithium battery patents going forward: The term "lithium-ion traction batteries" should be used the term generically for all rechargeable batteries involving lithium ions, says Dr. Peter Harrop. For example, favoring lithium titanate against lithium polymer or lithium iron phosphate is a fallacy, as the first usually refers to how the anode is made, the second to the electrolyte and the third to the cathode. In principle, one could have all these in one battery.

The report, "Advanced Energy Storage Technologies: Patent Trends and Company Positioning," details an impressive array of patent-related data in the lithium sector. In the number of advanced energy storage technology patents filed annually, Japan stays ahead while the U.S., Europe and China play catch up. Korea is clipping along at a strong, steady rate. These data are dominated by lithium-ion battery patents.

The report also tabulates investment by the giants in lithium-ion batteries. To compete on a global level, companies must have a minimum of $2B in investment, and only a handful of investment giants come close in their commitments. However, they all need to win the intellectual property race as well. And with second-generation lithium batteries already in commercial use, the race for intellectual property rights will unfold with the third-generation, already in the works.

Portofino Resources Revisits Its Lithium Past, but Primary Focus Remains on Canadian Gold Projects
Source: Peter Epstein for Streetwise Reports (01/21/2021)

Peter Epstein of Epstein Research profiles a company that controls five options to acquire "promising gold properties" in Canada.

Lithium Developer Benefitting 'Handsomely' from Renewed EV Interest
Source: The Critical Investor for Streetwise Reports (01/18/2021)

The Critical Investor takes a look at recent developments at Standard Lithium and speaks with CEO Robert Mintak.

Lithium Americas' Shares Charge 18% Higher after Firm Receives ROD for Nevada Lithium Project
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/18/2021)

Shares of Lithium Americas Corp. established a new 52-week high after the firm reported it received a Record of Decision from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for its Thacker Pass Lithium Project.

Zone Extended at Golden Triangle Project
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/15/2021)

Scottie Resources provides grab sampling and geophysical survey results from the Domino zone at its Scottie project.

Junior Achieves De-Risking 'Milestone' as Cobalt Prices Rebound
Source: Peter Epstein for Streetwise Reports (01/13/2021)

Peter Epstein of Epstein Research calls First Cobalt Corp.'s agreements with major firms to deliver feedstock "a major vote of confidence."

With Project Acquisition, Explorer Expands Stillwater District Acreage
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/13/2021)

Group Ten Metals adds the Stillwater East project to its Montana properties.

First Cobalt Corp. Secures C$10M in Non-Equity Financing, Further Derisking Its 100%-Owned Cobalt Refinery Restart
Source: Peter Epstein for Streetwise Reports (12/18/2020)

Peter Epstein of Epstein Research explains why he sees blue sky potential with this company.

Analyst: Expect Substantial Cash Flow from Cobalt Refinery by Late 2022
Source: Peter Epstein for Streetwise Reports (11/12/2020)

Peter Epstein of Epstein Research examines the latest news from First Cobalt Corp., as well as the company's prospects for the future.

Millennial Lithium Commissioning Its 3 Tonne/month Lithium Carbonate Pilot Plant
Source: Peter Epstein for Streetwise Reports (10/28/2020)

Peter Epstein of Epstein Research explains why he believes this stock could outperform many battery metal peers.

Analyst: Cobalt Company with Canadian Assets Positioned for Growth
Source: Peter Epstein for Streetwise Reports (10/06/2020)

Peter Epstein of Epstein Research explains why he believes First Cobalt Corp. is the best way to play "irrepressible" strength in the electronic vehicle market and growing cobalt demand.