Lithium-ion battery maker Boston-Power released details of its deal with HP (NYSE: HP).The company’s Sonata Li-ion battery technology is the basis for batteries that are now available as accessories for 18 existing notebook models–representing approximately 70% of HP’s consumer notebook PC portfolio.
Later this month, the new HP battery based will be available as a
point-of-sale option for consumers buying new HP notebooks online. The battery’s “drop-in” form factor enables it to
be used with existing computers – including models in the HP Pavilion,
HP HDX, Compaq Presario and HP G series.
Boston Power touts that its Ecolabel-certified Sonata technology lasts three times longer than most other notebook computer batteries. HP is providing a three-year warranty on the batteries–the first and only notebook computer provider in the industry to offer such a warranty, according to a release.
Boston-Power’s rechargeable Li-ion battery cells have earned the Nordic Ecolabel certification. The company has additionally earned a similar certification for its battery cells from the Chinese Environmental Protection Agency.
Founded in 2005 and with more than 60 patents filed, Boston-Power has raised $125 million in venture funding from Foundation Asset Management, Oak Investment Partners, Venrock, GGV Capital and Gabriel Venture Partners.
Manufacturing Deal
In February, Boston Power announced a strategic partnership with Taiwan-based GP Batteries–a top consumer battery manufacturer in China–to expand mass production of its Sonata battery.
Under the terms of the agreement GP Batteries will dedicate its Li-ion battery factory in Taiwan exclusively to producing Sonata batteries. By doing so, production of Sonata at this factory will double by the end of 2009.