WEST HARLEM, NY—Urban Electric Power, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the City University of New York have opened of a new research and manufacturing facility here for advanced zinc anode rechargeable battery systems. The project is expected to create 64 new jobs.

HOLLAND, MI—LG Chem’s battery assembly plant here has completed preproduction testing and begun shipping batteries for the Chevrolet Volt.

A test-centric assembly process would have helped Boeing and Airbus avoid problems with their new aircraft.

ALACHUA, FL—Encell Technology, a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, is exploring the possibility of building an assembly plant here that could create 167 jobs.

Initiating movement of a standard bicycle can sometimes be challenging, such as when peddling up steep hills. Initiating movement of an electric bicycle, on the other hand, has always been much easier. The rider either pedal-assists the motor or activates it with a throttle.

OAK RIDGE, TN—Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are studying ways to reuse electric vehicle batteries after they are spent.

COMMACK, NY—Bren-Tronics Inc., a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries for the military, has moved into a new, $5-million assembly plant here.

LYONS, PA—East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. will construct a 458,000-square-foot battery assembly plant here, creating 400 jobs.

Lithium-ion batteries have been used in portable consumer electronics for decades, primarily because they offer excellent energy density, no memory effect and a slow loss of charge when not in use.

DETROIT—Sales of lithium ion batteries are expected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2012 to $22 billion by 2020, according to a report from Pike Research.