Production of stimulus-aided car batteries revs up

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Production of stimulus-aided car batteries revs up
By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press Writer Ken Thomas, Associated Press Writer – 22 mins ago

WASHINGTON – The first wave of mass-produced advanced batteries funded by the Obama administration's economic recovery program is starting to roll off assembly lines, setting the stage for new hybrid and electric vehicles.

So how will consumers respond?

Fending off criticism of the $787 billion stimulus program, the administration has cited the battery industry as one of the success stories. With new facilities coming online in the Midwest, battery manufacturers for the advanced vehicles are providing a test case for the government's attempt to revive the economy.

Battery maker A123 Systems Inc. planned to open a new lithium ion battery plant Monday in Livonia, Mich. About 300 workers, many formerly laid-off auto workers, were to join Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Michigan lawmakers to promote their production of battery cells and components. The Watertown, Mass.-based company received $249 million under the stimulus program and plans to open a second facility next year in Romulus, Mich.

Automotive supplier Johnson Controls Inc. last week started shipping batteries that were made at a Holland, Mich., facility built with the help of $299 million in federal grants. The factory expects to employ 90 workers by late next year and could produce 75,000 to 150,000 batteries a year, depending on the mix of hybrid and electric vehicles it supplies.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100913/ap_on_bi_ge/us_electric_cars

[indimuse]

1. knr! n/t

[mommalegga]

2. Where does my company get 299 million in free money?

If this was an oil company it would be called "corporate welfare".

Nothing against green technology BUT

The stimulus (taxpayer dollars) should be spent on public works that directly benefit the taxpayer like roads and bridges, putting people to work. No wonder Obama is asking for 50 billion more for roads...

[SpartanDem]

4. One persons corporate welfare is anothers investment

the truth is you wouldn't have the Internet without some government help to companies for the R&D or infrastructure. Not only is this plant employing people, but it represents an investment in a emerging industry.

[klook]

3. Great progress for energy independence

This technology is crucial, but the R&D costs are high, and -- so it's a good opportunity for taxpayer investment.