It says right in the article that polypore has been working with panasonic for many years. Polypore is the separator used by most battery manufacturers. I don't think this suggests any changes in their manufacturing process. Electrovaya was using a separator manufactured by exxon moblile, I don't know if they are still using them. http://www.exxonmobil.com/Europe-English/news_releases_battery.aspx Maybe we can get clarification from IR at electrovaya.