for its safe, long-life rapid charge SCiB battery, in anticipation of strong future demand. By setting up a second production facility Toshiba expects to position itself for a surge in demand for SCiB for industrial and automotive applications from fiscal year 2010 on. Toshiba aims to start construction of the new facility in the fall of 2009, and to start production in fall 2010.
SCiB-the Super Charge ion Battery-is Toshiba's rechargeable battery that offers excellent safety, long-life and rapid charge. SCiB started to ship in April 2008, and the battery is attracting considerable interest from potential customers. Toshiba currently produces SCiB at Saku Operations in Nagano
prefecture.
Toshiba has selected Kashiwazaki city in Niigata prefecture, north-west Japan, as the primary candidate for the new production site. Kashiwazaki seeks to realize a low-carbon society by promoting electric vehicles (EV) and to attract EV-related businesses. The city has applied for recognition as a model area for the "EV and plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) town concept," which is promoted by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to encourage adoption of EV and PHV. Toshiba found Kashiwazaki's approach consistent with its own goals in the SCiB business, and was also attracted by the city's subsidy program.
Toshiba Corporation, www.toshiba.co.jp
