HAWTHORNE, NY (May 28, 2004) - eVionyx, a subsidiary of Elmsford-based Reveo Inc. has received a $100,000 federal grant to help develop next-generation hybrid automobile batteries with an eye toward reducing dependency on conventional gasoline engines.
The Department of Energy grant is for the development of a type of lithium-ion battery, better suited to demanding uses, such as electric and hybrid vehicles.
"The technology is vital to decreasing the need for petroleum in our country," said Nita Lowey, D-Harrison.
Lowey was on hand to present the award given to eVionyx, the Reveo unit that specializes in battery and fuel products.
"EVionyx was founded for the express purpose of transitioning us away from fossil fuels and toward an alternative, clean energy source," said Lin-Feng Li, the unit's chief technology officer.
The grant, while not huge, will allow eVionyx to develop batteries that will last longer and provide more power, said Reveo spokesman Michael Chang.
"It's not a lot of money but it's definitely enough" to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology, Chang said.
Small Business Innovation Research grants are given to small businesses to help develop newly evolving technology.
EVionyx has developed a wide range of products, such as portable fuel cells for cellular phones and stationary rechargeable batteries that act as backup for businesses in the event of power failures.