Opinion – Eduardo Sodré: Kodak wants to assemble batteries for electric cars in old film factories

Famous for its history in the field of photography, Kodak became an example of a company that did not know how to interpret the technological evolution.

But after seeing the market for its films and cameras swallowed up by the advancement of smartphones, the century-old American brand wants to change its destiny and produce batteries for electric vehicles.

The plan was unveiled in July, when Kodak became a minority shareholder in Wildcat Discovery Technologies, which develops materials with greater capacity to accumulate energy.

The experience in producing film coatings will be used in the production of the batteries.

If all goes well, Kodak’s former film factories will be turned into production lines for these electric car components.

Wildcat promises that its technology for solid accumulators will promote increased vehicle range, with less risk of damage from leakage. The increase in density is estimated at 90%, according to the statement released by the company.

With this, small cars will be able to go far using compact batteries – which makes it possible, for example, to develop lighter models.

If they weigh less, these vehicles will require lower-cost components in parts such as the engine, suspension and brakes. With the gain in scale, this process should accelerate the reduction of prices and the massification of electric mobility.

Kodak’s plans are little known at this point, but they are likely to be put in place between 2023 and 2024.

“This investment in Wildcat reflects our commitment to building new businesses by leveraging our existing skills and infrastructure,” said Jim Continenza, executive chairman and CEO of Kodak, in a statement.

“Substrate coating is a critical aspect of battery manufacturing, and no one is better at coating than Kodak.”

Volkswagen launches subscription program for trucks

After launching subscription plans for passenger cars, VW now offers a long-term rental program for the brand’s trucks.

Although they are separate companies, the car and heavy vehicle divisions have in common the support offered by Volkswagen Financial Services. This arm of the company defined the plans that will be offered, with terms of 36 or 60 months.

Although long-term leasing programs are already offered by fleet management companies, this is the first time that a heavy vehicle manufacturer has invested in this modality in Brazil.

Prices start from R$3,679 per month for a subscription to the Delivery Express and reach R$15,999 for renting the Meteor 29,520, the largest model of the brand.

The big leap should occur when the company starts offering used truck leasing. According to Rodrigo Capuruço, CEO of Volkswagen Financial Services, this possibility is still being studied.