Segway Transporters Adopt Li-ion Power Sources

Mar 9, 2005 11:25 AM

Valence Technology, the developer of the Saphion large format Lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery technology, recently announced that its Li-ion batteries were introduced on Segway LLC’s new 2005 products. Valence’s Saphion technology doubles the range of the Segway Human Transporter flagship model (allowing it to travel up to 24 miles on a single charge) and was designed to be compatible with all three of Segway LLC’s new models. In addition, current i Series owners will be able to upgrade their machines with Valence’s batteries after a software upgrade available this summer. Segway LLC also placed an initial purchase order for Valence custom battery packs to support the launch, which the company expects to deliver over the next few months.

“Today marks an important milestone for Saphion, further validating its role in the motive space. Our product is the Li-ion battery of choice by Segway LLC and is being launched on all new Segway product lines,” said Stephan Godevais, chairman and CEO, Valence Technology Inc.

Valence Technology Inc. worked with Segway LLC to develop Saphion Li-ion batteries for the Segway HT i180, Segway XT and Segway GT. The new batteries are being introduced on each of these models and deliver impressive ranges. In addition to the critical safety features, Saphion Li-ion batteries are low-maintenance and can operate at battery temperatures as low as 14°F.

“We are proud to include Valence Saphion Li-ion batteries in our new product line,” said Klee Kleber, Segway LLC’s vice president of marketing. “This technology enables our customers to use Segway HTs in exciting new ways, including playing up to 36 holes of golf, riding on backwoods trails and working all day without recharging.”

"Valence's unique Saphion technology has enabled us to introduce a safe, high-performance battery for our customers in record time. We chose Valence's Saphion chemistry for its inherent safety, which addresses the limitations of traditional Li-ion chemistries, particularly in large batteries like those on the Segway HT," said Doug Field, Segway LLC's vice president of design and engineering.

For more information, visit www.segway.com or www.valence.com.

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