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Panasonic has set new standards for lithium-ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable batteries

20.01.2006

Innovative Panasonic Solid Solution (PSS) technology
Innovative Panasonic Solid Solution (PSS) technology

Panasonic has set new standards for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable batteries with its innovative Panasonic Solid Solution (PSS) technology: the new rechargeable batteries uniquely combine all the benefits of previous rechargeable Li-Ion battery systems while at the same time providing maximum capacity with the highest possible level of safety. The 3.6-V models, that enhance the extensive Panasonic program of Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries, have a typical capacity of up to 2,450 mAh and are used in portable devices of all kinds. The prismatic type, for example, is ideal for PDAs, portable POS terminals, measuring instruments and handheld scanners while the cylindrical versions have a range of applications that include among many others bluetooth, powertools, shavers and vacuum cleaners.

Panasonic engineers have managed to square the circle with the new PSS rechargeable batteries: on the one hand the new technology provides the same high energy density as ordinary Lithium-Ion batteries with cobalt cathodes and on the other hand, thanks to their exceptionally high thermal stability, they feature the highest possible standard of safety that until now has only been found in Lithium-Manganese types. What is more, the new rechargeable batteries boast long life and lower voltage drop at initial discharge than Cobalt-Li-Ion rechargeable batteries, plus the same charging voltage as ordinary Li-Ion rechargeable batteries.

Li-Ion batteries

The CGA-103446 "PSS“ prismatic model has a typical capacity of 1,800 mAh, the cylindrical types with a diameter of 18.6 mm and a height of 65.2 mm are available with typical capacities of 2,050 mAh (CGR-18650AF „PSS“), 2,250 mAh (CGR-18650CF „PSS“) and a top value of 2,450 mAh (CGR-18650DA „PSS“). The prismatic rechargeable battery with its light-weight aluminium casing is ideal for handheld and similar devices.

As is the case with its standard Li-Ion rechargeable batteries, Panasonic only supplies the new PSS models with an “external” safety unit, that immediately cuts off the current flow if the current is too high, the temperature is too high or there is a short circuit thus ensuring an additional safeguard against overheating and combustion. This aspect is growing in importance in view of the energy density packed into the smallest of dimensions that we have nowadays, as failure of the safety devices could lead not only to material damage, but could in fact lead to serious injury.  For this reason Panasonic supports its customers in choosing the optimum type of battery, the correct packing and with regard any questions of safety. Even advice concerning the electronic and mechanical components linked with the rechargeable battery pack is part of the service.

The PSS batteries are produced in Osaka (Japan). The plant, like all Panasonic battery production plants, ensures consistently high standards in compliance with ISO 9000 ff. und ISO 14000 ff thanks to its own quality and environmental managements systems and regular audits.

Batteries from Panasonic – safety, long-life and power

Matsushita Battery Industrial (MBI) started battery production in 1931 as part of the Matsushita Group (widely known under the name Panasonic). Today, the company operates in 15 countries, with a workforce of 16,000 and 28 production plants. With annual production of over 10 billion batteries, it is the largest battery manufacturer in the world.

The product portfolio includes Lithium-Ion, Lithium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel-Cadmium, Alkaline, Zinc-Carbon and maintenance-free VRLA batteries. The all-round experience of one of the world's largest electronics groups in the development of high tech products such as camcorders or mobile phones leads again and again to ground-breaking solutions for the batteries needed for this. Panasonic also offers its OEM customers standard charging equipment and customized charging systems and emphasizes its corporate identity as a power solutions provider with a comprehensive product range.

Panasonic industrial batteries are marketed in Europe by Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH (PIE). The Industry Battery Group (IBG), which is a long-standing group subsidiary, is responsible for OEM business. The head office in Hamburg is responsible for Germany, the Benelux countries, Switzerland, Austria, Scan­dinavia and Eastern Europe. There are independent offices trading in Great Britain/Ireland, France, Italy and Spain. There is also a close-knit distributors' network.

Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH (PIE)

In addition to the distribution of industrial batteries Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH (PIE), with its headquarters in Hamburg, is responsible within the Panasonic organisation for European-wide sales of production equipment, such as electronic components and devices, semiconduc­tors and production systems, to customers in the electronics industry and the audio/video, household goods, telecommunications, computer and automobile markets.

PIE employs a total of 300 staff. The Managing Director is Tadashi Mochizuki. The company maintains subsidiaries in Munich and Bracknell (London), as well as agencies in Moscow and Izmir (Turkey) and sales offices in Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Vienna and Düsseldorf. There are also service offices for telecommunications in Copenhagen and Helsinki, as well as training centres for factory automation in Vienna and Bracknell (London).

Panasonic Battery Sales Europe NV (PBSE)

The Panasonic Battery Sales Europe with its headquarters in Brussels is responsible for the sale of consumer batteries in Europe.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (Panasonic)

The Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd Group, familiar through its brand name Panasonic, is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic products for private consumers, the corporate sector and industry, known worldwide. In March 2005, the company, whose headquarters is in Osaka, Japan, posted total sales for the previous year of 81.44 billion US dollars. Shares in Matsushita are traded on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, New York (NYSE:MC)) Euronext, Amsterdam and Frankfurt stock exchanges. More information about the company and its brand name Panasonic is on the Internet at http://www.panasonic-industrial.com, http://www.panasonic-europe.com and at http://panasonic.co.jp/global/.

For further information, please contact:

Alexander Berghoff
Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH
Industry Battery Group
Product Marketing
Winsbergring 15
22525 Hamburg
Tel.: +49 (0)40 85386-338
Fax: +49 (0)40 85386-238
alexander.berghoff@eu.panasonic.com