IBM said Asahi Kasei and Central Glass will join its 'Battery 500 Project' that aims to develop a new lithium-air battery technology capable of powering an electric car for about 500 miles (800km) on a single charge.
As partners in the project, both the companies will collaborate on research with the potential to accelerate the switch from gasoline to electricity as the primary power source for vehicles.
Asahi Kasei, which is a chemical manufacturer and a supplier of separator membrane for lithium-ion batteries, will use its experience in new membrane technology to create a critical component for lithium-air batteries.
Central Glass will also use its expertise to create a new class of electrolytes and additives designed for lithium-air batteries.
IBM principle investigator who initiated the battery 500 project Winfried Wilcke said the new partners share the company's vision of electric cars being critical components of building a cleaner, better world, which is far less dependent on oil.
"Their compatible experience, knowledge and commitment to bold innovation in electric vehicle battery technology can help us transfer this research from the lab onto the road," Wilcke said.
Asahi Kasei head of advanced battery materials development center Tetsuro Ohta said, "This alliance allows us to explore a new path to developing an improved rechargeable battery performance that cannot be met with conventional technologies."
