Investment in Enerstone gives VDI Group access to ground-breaking battery recharging technology

Published on 05/12/2016, 2:11 PM

VDI Group announced today that it has taken a 20% equity stake in Enerstone, a start-up based in Grenoble, France. This investment partners the battery manufacturer and multi-channel distribution specialist with a company that has developed a highly innovative solution in the battery recharging sector. The new partnership is part of a joint commitment to accelerate the roll-out of new battery technologies designed in particular to promote the adoption of clean energy (electric cars, bicycles, etc.) and improve the performance of mobile and connected devices and equipment.

Founded by Alexandre Chureau in 2012, Enerstone has developed a process that improves the charging and discharging capacity of all battery technologies, including lithium.

The patented e-BMS B100 electronic circuit (Enhanced Battery Management System) technology developed by Enerstone increases the capacity and longevity of rechargeable batteries by balancing their various component cells. The active balancing module targets “weak” cells to direct energy where it is needed and counteract premature battery aging. This high-end technology offers many benefits, including:

- Optimal performance from each cell, with battery lifespan extended by 30 to 60%

- Reduced environmental impact

- Better end user safety

- Wintering and storage options

- Usage statistics (operating conditions, charge cycle data, warning logs, etc.) via a simple battery-to-smartphone connection.

VDI Group and Enerstone will both derive multiple benefits from this technological and commercial partnership :

- By integrating Enerstone's technology into its battery business, VDI Group has acquired a high added value technology that provides solutions to the issues encountered by users, integrators and electrical equipment OEMs.

- Thus VDI Group has gained a technological lead over the competition via an exclusive 2-year distribution licence. Its “subsidiary” ENIX Power Solutions will run marketing operations.

- Enerstone will be able to draw on the accumulated experience of a proven specialist, VDI Group, with almost 20 years of know-how in designing and distributing all types of batteries, chargers and adapters.

"This partnership fits perfectly within our active strategy of accessing the most innovative technologies in order to grow our battery division and position VDI Group as one of the strongest players in the sector", VDI Group chairman and CEO David Buffelard explained.

Enerstone chairman Alexandre Chureau added: “This alliance with VDI Group represents the recognition of our expertise by a major player in this sector, but above all it paves the way for an industrial project directly involved in the field, creating quality solutions in response to energy storage challenges.”

A video on the Enerstone smart battery management system may be viewed here
For more information, please go to www.enerstone.fr

About Enerstone

In 2012, Alexandre Chureau founded Enerstone in partnership with Grenoble INP. The company is a Grenoble- based start-up that designs and manufactures electronic circuits for battery management. Using patented e- BMS B100 technology, Enerstone has the specific objective of turning batteries into “connected” and sustainable energy storage appliances, by transforming batteries - currently a “throw-away” product - into a source of value for integrators, users and, of course, the environment.

About VDI Group

Founded in 1996, VDI Group deals mainly with catalogue-based distance sales of consumables to businesses, professionals and communities (B2B) and individuals (B2C). VDI Group operates in two markets via two divisions :

- The Battery Division distributes and designs all types of batteries, chargers and adapters and portable lighting products.
- The Health & Safety Division markets health and safety products and protective work clothing.

Battery Division brands :

Since its inception, VDI Group has expanded both organically and via acquisitions. With this strategy, VDI Group has broadened its product offering, positioned itself in new market segments and expanded its global footprint. VDI group is listed on Alternext Paris - ISIN code no. FR0010337865

Press release in pdf, click here

Press release published by Triquet Marie-Claude
Published on 05/12/2016, 2:11 PM on 24presse.com
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