The biggest increase will come from the US, despite the fact that the entire world will have its say. The US will be responsible for some 5 million light vehicles each year. Still Europe and Asia will witness about the same growth, with all the commotion in this segment of the economy.
"We think the automotive lithium ion battery business is going to grow hugely in the coming years and we plan to be one of the major suppliers taking advantage of this growth," Ulrik Grape, Ener1 president was quoted as saying by just-auto.com.
To be in the lead, Ener1 needs to build additional facilities which cam accommodate the forecasted production boost. The company is currently looking into finding suitable production sites in Europe, to come to the aid of the existing facilities in the US and Korea.
Ener1 recently became the largest investor in, until now troubled Norwegian electric vehicle manufacturer Think. EnnerDel, one of Ener1's subsidiaries have signed with the same carmaker a battery supply agreement for Think's City Cars. As a result of this investment, Ener1 created its European Division.
Yesterday, Ener1 was announced as the main supplier of lithium-ion batteries for the new electric car. Earlier, Volvo and Ener1 announced they will work together on the plug-in hybrid V70 demonstration vehicles being road tested in Europe.
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