Battery project for hybrids a “go”

Milwaukee, WI-based Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) has been given the green light to start work on developing lithium-ion batteries for hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). The project is part of a 24-month contract partially funded by the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC).

JCS engineers and scientists want to improve the power-flow of lithium-ion battery technology at low temperatures, as well as find ways to produce them at lower costs.

The consortium pursues R&D on advanced energy systems to boost the range and performance of future electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Members include the Dept. of Energy, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors.

Primary financing for the project comes from JCS and the DOE; USABC provides program support. JCS plans to supply cell modules that can be tested for abuse tolerance, pulse power, calendar life, and cycle life, with its major goal to meet USABC battery-performance requirements.