Dow Chemical Company’s new Dow Energy Materials business has been formed to supply the parts that go into lithium-ion batteries for various markets, including the automotive, marine, military, utility and consumer electronics industries.  The company will produce cathode and anode materials, will make formulated electrolytes with Ube Industries, and is considering entering the separators market.  These account for about 75 percent of the cost of materials for lithium-ion batteries.  Supply contracts with cell manufacturers are in the works, as the cell manufacturers in Michigan are looking for a local supply of electrolytes, which are not an easy product to ship.