Under recent testing at the Ohio State University’s Centre for Automotive Research (CAR), Nanophosphate EXT batteries were shown to retain 90% of their capacity after 2,000 full charge-discharge cycles at 45°C, while offering a 20% improvement in performance at -30°C.

As a result, the technology allows lighter, high performance batteries for engine restarting in micro-hybrid vehicles, and almost eliminates the need for active heating and cooling systems in electric and full hybrid vehicles. A123 said Nanophosphate EXT batteries could help improve the cost-effectiveness, reliability and weight of future electric vehicles.

 Shares in the company jumped over 50% as the news broke yesterday. A123 already supplies batteries for several large-scale manufacturers, including the units for BMW’s ActiveHybrid models, Fisker’s electric range, Chinese manufacturer Geely, and is working with General Motors for its next generation of electric vehicles.

‘We believe Nanophosphate EXT is a game-changing breakthrough that overcomes one of the key limitations of lead acid, standard lithium ion and other advanced batteries,’ said David Vieau, chief executive of A123 Systems.

‘By delivering high power, energy and lifecycle capabilities over a wider temperature range, we believe Nanophosphate EXT can reduce or even eliminate the need for costly thermal management systems, which we expect will dramatically enhance the business case for deploying A123's lithium ion battery solutions for a significant number of applications.’