Panasonic plans to increase lithium ion battery production

Panasonic is planning to simultaneously increase lithium ion (li-ion) battery production in JapanU.S. and China. The investments in additional capacity at all three production bases could reach 100 billion yen ($879 million). In Japan, the company will begin producing automotive batteries at a liquid-crystal display plant in Hemeji, near Kobe, in FY19.  An expansion is underway at a DalianChina plant that is targeted to come online by the end of March. The U.S. Gigafactory, jointly operated in conjunction with Tesla could be expanded to increase capacity by as much as 50%. Source: Asia Nikkei Review

Aqua Metals announced it has acquired Ebonex IPR

Aqua Metals announced it has acquired Ebonex IPR for 123,776 shares of Aqua Metals common stock and $100,000 in cash.  Ebonex has developed patented technology in the field of advanced materials and manufacturing methods for advanced lead acid batteries. The company’s advanced materials have the potential to increase lead acid energy density, cycle life and faster charging.  (Source: Aqua Metals)