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Print Edition StoriesWednesday, December 10, 2008
Boston-Power lands HP as first partner for green batteries
By Efrain Viscarolasaga
MHT reporter Efrain Viscarolasaga on NECN: Green tech brings jobs back to Mass.
Westborough-based lithium ion battery developer Boston-Power Inc. reports it has landed its first manufacturing and distribution partner for its Sonata line of portable power devices.
Hewlett Packard Co. will be the first computer manufacturer to offer the Sonata, an environmentally friendly next-generation battery, as an upgrade option with certain model notebook computers beginning in early 2009.
Financial terms of the deal were not provided.
According to executives at Boston-Power, the batteries are able to deliver “like new” performance for three years. As a result, HP will offer a three-year warranty with computers bought under the HP Enviro Series program using the Sonata, the longest battery warranty available from any notebook PC provider, according to HP officials.
While HP will feature the Boston-Power battery as an upgrade option for new notebooks, it will also be made available to customers who have already bought compatible models as replacement or secondary batteries. No system changes are required to add the new power source, according to officials.
The two companies have been working together on the project for three years, according to statements.
Founded by battery technology researcher Christina Lampe-Önnerud (named a Mass High Tech “Woman to Watch” in 2007), Boston-Power’s goal is to make safer and higher performance batteries for a number of applications, including laptops, consumer electronics and hybrid and electric vehicles.
Founded in 2005, the company is well-funded, raising more than $68 million since its inception, including a $45 million round that closed early in 2008. Investors include Oak Investment Partners of Westport, Conn., Venrock Associates of Cambridge and Granite Global Ventures and Gabriel Venture Partners, both of California.
While the company began with a handful of people, it has grown to more than 500 people worldwide, and this past October announced a 12,000 square foot expansion to its research and development facilities in Westborough.
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