Cobasys''s patents relating to NiMH
batteries expire in 2015.
Chevron's influence over Cobasys extends beyond a strict 50/50 joint venture.
Boschert argues that Cobasys accepts only very large orders for these batteries.
Boschert reveals that Cobasys accepts only very large orders for these batteries.
Boschert argues that Cobasys accepts only very large orders for the batteries.
NiMH batteries are commercially viable but that Cobasys refuses to sell or license them to small companies or individuals.
Or it's possible that Cobasys simply wants the market for itself
and is waiting for a major automaker to start producing plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles.
In December 2006, Cobasys and General Motors announced that they had signed
a contract under which Cobasys provides NiMH batteries for the Saturn Aura hybrid sedan.
In August 2008,
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International filed suit against Cobasys, on the ground Cobasys did not tender
the batteries it agreed to build for Mercedes-Benz's planned hybrid SUV.
In addition, Chevron maintains the right to seize all of Cobasys' intellectual property rights in the event that ECD Ovonics does not fulfill its contractual obligations.
Boschert concludes that"it's possible that Cobasys(Chevron) is squelching all access to large NiMH batteries
through its control of patent licenses in order to remove a competitor to gasoline.
In Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that Will Recharge America, published in February 2007, Sherry Boschert argues that large-format
NiMH batteries are commercially viable but that Cobasys refuses to sell or license them to small companies or individuals.
In her book, Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that Will Recharge America, published in February 2007, Sherry Boschert argues that large-format
NiMH batteries are commercially viable but that Cobasys refuses to sell or license them to small companies or individuals.