A lot of people are looking at advanced batteries as the next big industry for the state of Michigan. Especially things like lithium ion batteries that are in your cell phone and laptop… and power most electric cars. Right now there are 17 Michigan companies either producing – or planning to produce – advanced batteries.
And so – with all the buzz about batteries – the Battery Show came to Novi this week.
It’s an international trade show… and the industry’s so new, this is only the second time the show has been held.
“We have critical mass here in Michigan around the battery industry. We are globally significant now.”
That’s Nick Cucinelli. He helps researchers at the University of Michigan build start-up companies around technologies they invent. He’s really into advanced batteries… and the promise they hold for the way we’ll use energy in the future.
“One of the things you’ve probably noticed over the past 10-15 years is the length of time you can operate your laptop or your phone has increased dramatically.”
He says that kind of innovation continues.
In a lot of ways, the Battery Show is really meant for people who already know a lot about advanced batteries. There are scientists here who are working to make better batteries. There are guys here who build battery factories. And people who recycle batteries.
But there are also some flashier things to see – like the Jeep Renegade concept vehicle.
“Which looks like a cross between a very large Miata and the bottom end of a Jeep. It’s a diesel electric hybrid, which ten years ago people said made no sense but they’re coming now.”
More michiganradio.org
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