Tucson company is among firms studying next-generation power source
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today was part of a strong bipartisan majority in the House to support legislation aimed at funding essential research into batteries that will be used to power the next generation of vehicles.
The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act will have a direct impact on Sion Power Corporation, a Tucson-based company conducting research into innovative lithium-sulfur batteries.
“Research being conducted right here in Southern Arizona and across the nation is critical to helping us reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create green jobs,” said Giffords, a member of the House Science and Technology Committee. “This bill will help us achieve these goals.”
The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act passed this afternoon in a 312 to 114 vote. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The bill would fund a program of research and development in vehicle technologies at the Department of Energy. The ultimate goal is to reduce petroleum use and emissions in passenger and commercial vehicles.
The bill includes about $550 million per year in grants for five years for companies researching battery technology.
Sion is among the companies that could benefit from such grants. While most battery research has focused on lithium-ion technology, Sion is studying a lithium-sulfur combination that could produce a more powerful and longer-lasting battery.
According to the company, lithium-sulfur will enable many new applications in which the limited energy available from current batteries is holding back the advancement of new products or is limiting the features of current ones.
In 2007, the company’s batteries enabled an unmanned aerial vehicle to beat the world record for the longest unmanned flight.
The vehicle, which weighed 68 pounds and had a 62-foot wingspan, stayed aloft for 54 continuous hours using a combination of Sion Power’s lithium-sulfur batteries at night and solar power during the day. During the flight, the craft flew up to 58,370 feet high, or more than 11 miles in attitude.
The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act has been endorsed by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, the United Autoworkers, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, Caterpillar, the Engine Manufacturers Association, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Natural Resources Defense Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters.