As previously discussed on this blog, the automotive industry is pushing to develop new and improved batteries and charging and power systems for cars.
Now, the automotive industry is setting its sights on improving batteries across a range of applications and industries. On Thursday, Tesla announced it would apply its expertise in automotive batteries to a fleet of products called Tesla Energy. The battery systems are intended for home, business, and utility customers and are derived from the batteries that Tesla uses in its Model S vehicles. Companies such as Google and Apple are reported to already be using Tesla units to help manage their power supplies.
Other companies are likewise making an impact outside of the automotive battery market. Both Nissan and Toyota sell cars that can power buildings during a blackout. Google’s X Lab is reported to be working on developing better battery technology for a vast array of products, ranging from cars to drones to smartphones. One report termed the recent interest in battery technology, further spurred by Tesla’s new product announcement, a “battery zeitgeist.” Undoubtedly the industry can expect even greater focus, and investment, on developing both the car and the battery of the future.