Why Lithium-Ion Batteries?

No doubt about it. Battery technology is one of the keys to electric mobility. For years battery life and range was seen as a major hindrance to the wide spread use of electric vehicles. But the potential of the lithium-ion battery is rapidly changing this perception, making electricity an effective alternative to petrol or diesel.

A breakthrough in battery technology has made lithium-ion batteries meet the specific energy, power, mass and durability requirements of cars designed for practical everyday use like the Opel Ampera.

While the majority of conventional hybrids (hybrid-electric vehicles or HEVs) out on the road today use nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology, the Opel Ampera is powered by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack comprised of more than 200 lithium-ion cells .
Lithium-ion batteries provide nearly two to three times the power of a NiMH battery in a much smaller package. It also offers a higher energy-to-weight ratio, an important consideration in automotive applications since excess mass affects efficiency.

Lithium-ion batteries suffer little or no memory effect (lazy battery). Everyone who uses rechargeable batteries is familiar with this phenomenon, which can occur when batteries gradually lose their maximum energy capacity if they are repeatedly recharged after being only partially discharged. Lithium-ion batteries also have a low loss of charge when not in use so they will hold their charge when they’re parked in the lot at the office.

Battery testing is progressing as planned with no significant roadblocks in lab or on-road testing. Our team of engineers have completed more than 1.5 million kilometers and four million hours of validation testing on the battery cells, modules, and packs since 2007. The development, validation and test teams have met thousands of specifications and validated each of the Ampera battery’s 161 components to ensure we deliver on the reliability, safety and durability you expect from us.

The battery itself is T-shaped, and is located centrally in the chassis . This keeps the centre of gravity optimally low, an absolute must for balanced handling. It also means that it does not compromise the load space area . Which is why the Ampera actually has over 300 liters of trunk space and seats four grownups. Perfect for everyday driving.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries?

No doubt about it. Battery technology is one of the keys to electric mobility. For years battery life and range was seen as a major hindrance to the wide spread use of electric vehicles. But the potential of the lithium-ion battery is rapidly changing this perception, making electricity an effective alternative to petrol or diesel.

A breakthrough in battery technology has made lithium-ion batteries meet the specific energy, power, mass and durability requirements of cars designed for practical everyday use like the Opel Ampera.

While the majority of conventional hybrids (hybrid-electric vehicles or HEVs) out on the road today use nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology, the Opel Ampera is powered by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack comprised of more than 200 lithium-ion cells .
Lithium-ion batteries provide nearly two to three times the power of a NiMH battery in a much smaller package. It also offers a higher energy-to-weight ratio, an important consideration in automotive applications since excess mass affects efficiency.

Lithium-ion batteries suffer little or no memory effect (lazy battery). Everyone who uses rechargeable batteries is familiar with this phenomenon, which can occur when batteries gradually lose their maximum energy capacity if they are repeatedly recharged after being only partially discharged. Lithium-ion batteries also have a low loss of charge when not in use so they will hold their charge when they’re parked in the lot at the office.

Battery testing is progressing as planned with no significant roadblocks in lab or on-road testing. Our team of engineers have completed more than 1.5 million kilometers and four million hours of validation testing on the battery cells, modules, and packs since 2007. The development, validation and test teams have met thousands of specifications and validated each of the Ampera battery’s 161 components to ensure we deliver on the reliability, safety and durability you expect from us.

The battery itself is T-shaped, and is located centrally in the chassis . This keeps the centre of gravity optimally low, an absolute must for balanced handling. It also means that it does not compromise the load space area . Which is why the Ampera actually has over 300 liters of trunk space and seats four grownups. Perfect for everyday driving.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries?

No doubt about it. Battery technology is one of the keys to electric mobility. For years battery life and range was seen as a major hindrance to the wide spread use of electric vehicles. But the potential of the lithium-ion battery is rapidly changing this perception, making electricity an effective alternative to petrol or diesel.

A breakthrough in battery technology has made lithium-ion batteries meet the specific energy, power, mass and durability requirements of cars designed for practical everyday use like the Opel Ampera.

While the majority of conventional hybrids (hybrid-electric vehicles or HEVs) out on the road today use nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology, the Opel Ampera is powered by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack comprised of more than 200 lithium-ion cells .
Lithium-ion batteries provide nearly two to three times the power of a NiMH battery in a much smaller package. It also offers a higher energy-to-weight ratio, an important consideration in automotive applications since excess mass affects efficiency.

Lithium-ion batteries suffer little or no memory effect (lazy battery). Everyone who uses rechargeable batteries is familiar with this phenomenon, which can occur when batteries gradually lose their maximum energy capacity if they are repeatedly recharged after being only partially discharged. Lithium-ion batteries also have a low loss of charge when not in use so they will hold their charge when they’re parked in the lot at the office.

Battery testing is progressing as planned with no significant roadblocks in lab or on-road testing. Our team of engineers have completed more than 1.5 million kilometers and four million hours of validation testing on the battery cells, modules, and packs since 2007. The development, validation and test teams have met thousands of specifications and validated each of the Ampera battery’s 161 components to ensure we deliver on the reliability, safety and durability you expect from us.

The battery itself is T-shaped, and is located centrally in the chassis . This keeps the centre of gravity optimally low, an absolute must for balanced handling. It also means that it does not compromise the load space area . Which is why the Ampera actually has over 300 liters of trunk space and seats four grownups. Perfect for everyday driving.

Google Chrome edges its way up

In June 2011, Google's Chrome browser exceeded 20% of the worldwide browser market for the first time, closing in on rivals Internet Explorer and Firefox.

According to recent figures from Internet tracking service StatCounter, Chrome grew by 2.8% over the year to take 20.7% of the global market while Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) fell from 59% to 44% and Firefox dropped slightly from 30% to 28% during the same period.

"It is a superb achievement by Google to go from under 3% two years ago to over 20% today," commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO of StatCounter. "While Google has been highly effective in getting Chrome downloaded, the real test is actual browser usage which our stats measure."

IE is still king in a majority of regions around the globe while Firefox reigns in second place. Chrome, however, has made some notable gains in places such as South America, where it recently overtook Firefox to become the second most popular browser on the continent.

Chrome is now firmly cemented in second place in South America, reaching 29.7% of the market in June. Firefox and IE captured 24.6% and 44.1% of the South American market during the same period.

In Britain, Chrome is nearing equality with Firefox with 21.1% and 21.7% of the market respectively. IE still has a stronghold on Internet users in the region with a 46.4% market share.

Users in the United States are even more reluctant to switch from market leader IE to Chrome. Google's web browser is used by just 16% of Internet users while IE and Firefox command 46.5% and 24.7% of the market respectively.

Google Chrome edges its way up

In June 2011, Google's Chrome browser exceeded 20% of the worldwide browser market for the first time, closing in on rivals Internet Explorer and Firefox.

According to recent figures from Internet tracking service StatCounter, Chrome grew by 2.8% over the year to take 20.7% of the global market while Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) fell from 59% to 44% and Firefox dropped slightly from 30% to 28% during the same period.

"It is a superb achievement by Google to go from under 3% two years ago to over 20% today," commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO of StatCounter. "While Google has been highly effective in getting Chrome downloaded, the real test is actual browser usage which our stats measure."

IE is still king in a majority of regions around the globe while Firefox reigns in second place. Chrome, however, has made some notable gains in places such as South America, where it recently overtook Firefox to become the second most popular browser on the continent.

Chrome is now firmly cemented in second place in South America, reaching 29.7% of the market in June. Firefox and IE captured 24.6% and 44.1% of the South American market during the same period.

In Britain, Chrome is nearing equality with Firefox with 21.1% and 21.7% of the market respectively. IE still has a stronghold on Internet users in the region with a 46.4% market share.

Users in the United States are even more reluctant to switch from market leader IE to Chrome. Google's web browser is used by just 16% of Internet users while IE and Firefox command 46.5% and 24.7% of the market respectively.

Google Chrome edges its way up

In June 2011, Google's Chrome browser exceeded 20% of the worldwide browser market for the first time, closing in on rivals Internet Explorer and Firefox.

According to recent figures from Internet tracking service StatCounter, Chrome grew by 2.8% over the year to take 20.7% of the global market while Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) fell from 59% to 44% and Firefox dropped slightly from 30% to 28% during the same period.

"It is a superb achievement by Google to go from under 3% two years ago to over 20% today," commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO of StatCounter. "While Google has been highly effective in getting Chrome downloaded, the real test is actual browser usage which our stats measure."

IE is still king in a majority of regions around the globe while Firefox reigns in second place. Chrome, however, has made some notable gains in places such as South America, where it recently overtook Firefox to become the second most popular browser on the continent.

Chrome is now firmly cemented in second place in South America, reaching 29.7% of the market in June. Firefox and IE captured 24.6% and 44.1% of the South American market during the same period.

In Britain, Chrome is nearing equality with Firefox with 21.1% and 21.7% of the market respectively. IE still has a stronghold on Internet users in the region with a 46.4% market share.

Users in the United States are even more reluctant to switch from market leader IE to Chrome. Google's web browser is used by just 16% of Internet users while IE and Firefox command 46.5% and 24.7% of the market respectively.

Google+, Transformers buzzing on the Web

Google's new social network and challenger to Facebook's crown contributed to three of the Top 10 search terms with the biggest increase in growth over the last seven days.

There was also a big buzz surrounding the latest instalment in the Transformers franchise, with related search terms appearing twice in the Top 10 results.

Google+ is the new social network from the Internet giant. It was unveiled on June 28 and is currently being rolled out to Gmail users around the world.

Essentially Google+ is a social networking site, allowing users to share photos, news and thoughts with others.

The launch represents a direct challenge to the current ruler of the social networking realm, Facebook, which is reportedly planning to team up with Skype in order to provide integrated video chat to users of the site.

Facebook is expected to announce this partnership this week.

However, despite rumours of the Facebook/Skype partnership, the launch of Google+ clearly generated the most online buzz over the seven days prior to July 4.

According to Google Insights, searches for the social networking site achieved "breakout" status, or growth of over 5,000%, and variations of Google+ appeared three times in the Top 10 search terms over the last seven days.

Google+, Transformers buzzing on the Web

Google's new social network and challenger to Facebook's crown contributed to three of the Top 10 search terms with the biggest increase in growth over the last seven days.

There was also a big buzz surrounding the latest instalment in the Transformers franchise, with related search terms appearing twice in the Top 10 results.

Google+ is the new social network from the Internet giant. It was unveiled on June 28 and is currently being rolled out to Gmail users around the world.

Essentially Google+ is a social networking site, allowing users to share photos, news and thoughts with others.

The launch represents a direct challenge to the current ruler of the social networking realm, Facebook, which is reportedly planning to team up with Skype in order to provide integrated video chat to users of the site.

Facebook is expected to announce this partnership this week.

However, despite rumours of the Facebook/Skype partnership, the launch of Google+ clearly generated the most online buzz over the seven days prior to July 4.

According to Google Insights, searches for the social networking site achieved "breakout" status, or growth of over 5,000%, and variations of Google+ appeared three times in the Top 10 search terms over the last seven days.

Google+, Transformers buzzing on the Web

Google's new social network and challenger to Facebook's crown contributed to three of the Top 10 search terms with the biggest increase in growth over the last seven days.

There was also a big buzz surrounding the latest instalment in the Transformers franchise, with related search terms appearing twice in the Top 10 results.

Google+ is the new social network from the Internet giant. It was unveiled on June 28 and is currently being rolled out to Gmail users around the world.

Essentially Google+ is a social networking site, allowing users to share photos, news and thoughts with others.

The launch represents a direct challenge to the current ruler of the social networking realm, Facebook, which is reportedly planning to team up with Skype in order to provide integrated video chat to users of the site.

Facebook is expected to announce this partnership this week.

However, despite rumours of the Facebook/Skype partnership, the launch of Google+ clearly generated the most online buzz over the seven days prior to July 4.

According to Google Insights, searches for the social networking site achieved "breakout" status, or growth of over 5,000%, and variations of Google+ appeared three times in the Top 10 search terms over the last seven days.

Quick review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1

Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkPad X1 laptop for users who demand better performance and entertainment while on the road.

The X1 measures less than 17mm thick and weighs 1.72kg, which makes it light and easy to carry around. The laptop has a 13.3in display which is made of Corning Gorilla Glass that is scratch-resistant.

The notebook is designed with mobility in mind - it uses Enhanced Experience 2.0 software which starts up the notebook in just about 20 seconds on average, so users can start working on it quickly.

The X1 also features RapidCharge battery technology that charges the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes.

The X1's four-cell battery is rated to last up to five hours.

Users can also opt to purchase a RapidCharge external battery for the X1 to double its battery life to 10 hours.

The company has also made changes to the keyboard's appearance by eliminating legacy keys such as SysRq while keeping dedicated multimedia and voice-calling controls buttons.

Also, the keys are backlit so that users can work on the X1 in any lighting conditions.
The X1 can be configured to run on a second-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor and up to 8GB RAM.

Standard features include Dolby Home Theatre enhanced audio, HDMI port and a fingerprint reader for authentication.

The price for the X1 starts at USD 2,999 and it's expected to be available next week.

Quick review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1

Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkPad X1 laptop for users who demand better performance and entertainment while on the road.

The X1 measures less than 17mm thick and weighs 1.72kg, which makes it light and easy to carry around. The laptop has a 13.3in display which is made of Corning Gorilla Glass that is scratch-resistant.

The notebook is designed with mobility in mind - it uses Enhanced Experience 2.0 software which starts up the notebook in just about 20 seconds on average, so users can start working on it quickly.

The X1 also features RapidCharge battery technology that charges the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes.

The X1's four-cell battery is rated to last up to five hours.

Users can also opt to purchase a RapidCharge external battery for the X1 to double its battery life to 10 hours.

The company has also made changes to the keyboard's appearance by eliminating legacy keys such as SysRq while keeping dedicated multimedia and voice-calling controls buttons.

Also, the keys are backlit so that users can work on the X1 in any lighting conditions.
The X1 can be configured to run on a second-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor and up to 8GB RAM.

Standard features include Dolby Home Theatre enhanced audio, HDMI port and a fingerprint reader for authentication.

The price for the X1 starts at USD 2,999 and it's expected to be available next week.

Quick review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1

Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkPad X1 laptop for users who demand better performance and entertainment while on the road.

The X1 measures less than 17mm thick and weighs 1.72kg, which makes it light and easy to carry around. The laptop has a 13.3in display which is made of Corning Gorilla Glass that is scratch-resistant.

The notebook is designed with mobility in mind - it uses Enhanced Experience 2.0 software which starts up the notebook in just about 20 seconds on average, so users can start working on it quickly.

The X1 also features RapidCharge battery technology that charges the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes.

The X1's four-cell battery is rated to last up to five hours.

Users can also opt to purchase a RapidCharge external battery for the X1 to double its battery life to 10 hours.

The company has also made changes to the keyboard's appearance by eliminating legacy keys such as SysRq while keeping dedicated multimedia and voice-calling controls buttons.

Also, the keys are backlit so that users can work on the X1 in any lighting conditions.
The X1 can be configured to run on a second-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor and up to 8GB RAM.

Standard features include Dolby Home Theatre enhanced audio, HDMI port and a fingerprint reader for authentication.

The price for the X1 starts at USD 2,999 and it's expected to be available next week.