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Johnson Controls-Saft, the world’s leading independent supplier of Li-Ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles, and Azure Dynamics Inc. recently announced a new supply agreement that will provide some of the world’s most advanced lithium-ion (Li-Ion) hybrid battery technology to power commercial vehicles in North America. The five-year supply agreement is a critical step in developing a supply base and infrastructure in the United States—and allowing truck makers to roll it out on a large scale. The complete battery systems, including electronics, electrical and mechanical components will be assembled at the Johnson Controls-Saft facility in Milwaukee, WI.
Most current hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology uses nickel metal hydride batteries. Lithium-ion offers a lighter, more powerful design with a longer lifespan than other current technologies. Experts see this design as the technology of choice to power plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the near future, producing reliable performance while reducing emissions and other types of environmental impact.
The 345-volt battery system will use advanced Li-Ion cell technology that emphasizes power, reliability and durability. The battery pack is designed to mount under the vehicle body and can withstand road debris and water spray and submersion. Azure will use the pack on its current Balance™ Hybrid Electric and future hybrid platforms. The company’s vehicles are in operation for major fleet customers like AT&T, Con Edison, FedEx Express and Purolator Couriers.
Benefits
The advantages don’t end there. In addition to fuel savings and environmental benefits, Azure’s Balance Hybrid Electric technology can trim vehicle maintenance costs by approximately 30 percent, reducing overall fleet operating costs. That furthers the battery’s practical benefits to users of all sorts.
The cell design was supported through Johnson Controls-Saft’s partnership with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium and the Department of Energy to develop advanced energy storage technology for electrified powertrain vehicles.