Lithium Ion Battery Plant Opens in Livonia MI

A123 Systems celebrated it's grand opening today as the country's largest lithium ion automotive battery plant. The Livonia Michigan plant is a welcomed addition during the current recession. The Bureau of Labor Statics listed Michigan as having the second highest unemployment rate at 13.1% (just below Nevada at 14.3%) in July 2010.

The plant currently employs 300 workers manufacturing prismatic cells; a thin rectangular battery about the size of a license plate. It produces 20 amp hours and 66 watt hours; 300 to 400 of the prismatic cells are needed for one electric car battery pack.The cost of a typical hybrid plug-in battery is currently $10,000-$12,000, though it's expected to be halved within 4 years, according to Jason Forcier, vice president of A123 Systems' Automotive Solutions Group division.

Perhaps this is the start of the  "Green Movement" will help Metro-Detroit, and the rest of the nation rally from these hard times.

For more please visit The Detroit Free Press.