For Immediate Release
E-One Moli Energy (Canada) Ltd. (Molicel) announces the launch of the industry’s highest power lithium-ion cell for high-rate applications. These cells are the energy source for the world’s first complete line of lithium-ion cell powered, cordless professional power tools. These 28-volt tools were introduced by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation at the International Builder’s Show, held January 13 – 16 2005 in Orlando, Florida.

Coming one year after introducing the world’s first commercially available 2.4Ah ICR18650 cell, used in laptop computer applications, the IMR26700 3Ah high-rate cell gives Molicel another key product to expand their market.

Molicel has been a recognized industry leader in the research & development of manganese based lithium-ion cells for the past decade. Using lithium manganese oxide (LiMN204) in the positive electrode of the new IMR26700 cell allows for a Li-ion cell with higher discharge rates than ever before. The IMR26700 cell can deliver currents in excess of 100A.

By eliminating cobalt from the IMR26700 cell it is possible to produce a much larger cell, while providing exceptional safety characteristics. Further developments of the IMR26700 cell will provide fast charge capability, allowing cells to be fully charged in as little as 15 minutes.

The introduction of the IMR26700 will allow Molicel to enter new markets previously only served by lead acid, nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal-hydride batteries, such as electric bicycles, power tools and potentially electric or hybrid-electric vehicles. Manganese oxide lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly than those traditional battery systems.

To support the launch of the new IMR26700, Molicel has implemented in a new high-speed production line capable of producing 1.5million cells per month. Molicel began shipping the IMR26700 cells in 2004.

E-One Moli Energy (Canada) Ltd. is a subsidiary of E-One Moli Energy Corp. of Taiwan. The company maintains production facilities in Canada, Taiwan and mainland China. For more information about the IMR26700 cell or any of E-One Moli Energy’s other products, contact Blair Tweten at blairt@molienergy.com or (604) 466-6623.