A123 Systems

About A123 Systems

A123 Systems, now a subsidiary of Wanxiang Group, operates as a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems. The company was established in 2001 as a spin-out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by co-founders Professor Yet-Ming Chiang, Ric Fulop, and Bart Riley. The foundation of the company was built upon materials science, specifically a new cathode material called nanophosphate, developed at MIT to create safer and more reliable lithium-ion batteries compared to the lithium-cobalt-oxide systems prevalent at the time.

The company's core business involves designing, manufacturing, and selling advanced rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, battery systems, and individual cells. Its product line is centered on its proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which offers high power output, long cycle life, and enhanced safety. This technology is applied across various cell formats, including cylindrical and prismatic cells, as well as integrated battery modules. A123 serves a diverse client base across three main sectors: transportation, electric grid services, and commercial/industrial applications. In the transportation market, it provides battery systems for micro-hybrids (12V/48V systems), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and full electric vehicles (EVs), counting major automotive manufacturers like BMW, Porsche, SAIC, and Mercedes Benz among its customers. For the electric grid, the company delivers large-scale battery energy storage systems to utilities to help with grid stability and operating reserves. Early commercial success was also found in supplying batteries for high-power consumer products, such as power tools for Black & Decker and DeWalt.

The company's history includes significant milestones and challenges. After its founding, A123 raised over $300 million in venture capital before a successful IPO on the NASDAQ in September 2009, which raised an additional $380 million. It received substantial government support, including a $249 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to build manufacturing facilities in Michigan. However, the company faced difficulties due to a slower-than-expected adoption of electric vehicles, leading to key customers like Fisker Automotive falling short of demand projections. This, coupled with a costly product recall, led A123 to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2012. In January 2013, the majority of A123's assets were acquired out of bankruptcy by Chinese automotive components manufacturer Wanxiang Group for $256.6 million, which then organized the new entity as A123Systems, LLC. A123's government and military business was sold separately to Navitas Systems. Under Wanxiang's ownership, the company has seen substantial revenue growth.