Technical and cost characteristics of the new NiZn battery, compared with those of other battery systems, and specifications required by the applications, are key factors for a realistic approach of future markets.

With its specific competitive positioning (high energy and power characteristics, long cycle life, deep discharge acceptance, low cost, safety, and environment friendliness), the SCPS’ NiZn battery can reach strong positions in 3 main market sectors.

1. Industrial applications:
• stationary : uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and energy storage,
• traction : forklifts, specialized electric vehicles,
• Professional: emergency, military,

Presently representing about 5 billions Euros per year in the world, these markets will rapidly grow up to about 10 billions Euros, mainly in relation with energy storage linked to renewable energies (photovoltaic and wind-motor production), with stationary telecom, and with new industrial countries development.

These applications increasingly ask for low cost, deep cycling, long life, and environment friendly battery chemistries.

2. Hybrid Electric Vehicles:
A broad range of combinations of electric motors and combustion engines for minimizing fuel consumption: “soft”, “mild”, “power assist”, “full” and “plug-in” hybrids.

All forecasts and experts’ opinions confirm an impressive development of a huge market for the coming years:
• expected yearly turnover for batteries of 3 billions Euros about 2010,
• and 12 billions Euros about 2015 (for only 10% of the car production).

This market needs low cost, high power, safe and fully recyclable batteries.

3. Portable power applications:
• cordless tools,
• toys and games.

An increasing market, growing towards 1 billion Euros, and needing low cost, power and safe batteries.