It looks like slow production at California-based Fisker Automotive is having an impact here in Michigan.

No doubt the Republicans in congress will be jumping all over this news as A123 Systems laid off 125 people from its two battery manufacturing facilities in Romulus and Livonia this week. A123 received a $250 million grant from the Department of Energy in 2009 for advanced battery development.

While Fisker has reportedly begun production of the Karma plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan, deliveries will be well below the planned 7,000 in 2011. Fisker claims it will ship 1,500 cars by the end of the year. It's not clear when production will hit anticipated levels but A123 isn't waiting to find out.

Fisker isn't A123's only customer but they may well be the biggest right now. A123 also has contracts to supply lithium ion batteries to medium duty truck maker Smith Electric Vehicles as well as General Motors for its upcoming Chevy Spark EV.

#EV #A123systems #electricvehicles #bev #fisker

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A123 Systems lays off 125 workers at Michigan battery plants
Battery maker A123 Systems, which has been celebrated as one of Michigan's biggest alternative energy successes, laid off 125 workers at its Livonia and Romulus …

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