Battery Plug-In Hybrid: Johnson Controls-Saft Dodge Sprinter

Fleet demonstrates promise of environmentally-friendly technology

August 21, 2007: 03:48 PM EST

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ — A fleet of advanced, Dodge Sprinter battery plug-in hybrid delivery vans will be operating within the United States. Thereby powered by Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries developed by Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS). The test fleet is helping to usher in a new age of extremely fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, urban transportation. All using SAFT li-ion batteries for this plug-in hybrid 

“Advances in Lithium-ion battery technology are bringing the reality of plug-in hybrids closer to commercialization.” This was said by Mary Ann Wright. She leads the JCS joint venture. Also and is vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls’ hybrid battery business.

Dodge Sprinter Perfect Vehicle

According to Wright, the Dodge Sprinter is an ideal vehicle. Especially to carry a large battery pack. Also and still have ample room readily accessible for use as a delivery vehicle. Fleets of Sprinter plug-in hybrids were put into service in Los Angeles, New York and Kansas City in 2006. All during the first phase of Chrysler and Daimler’s plug-in hybrid development program.

Powered by Johnson Controls-Saft nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and Li-ion battery packs. Because the Sprinter vans have provided valuable data. All to accelerate the development of future battery technology.

Li-ion Battery Packs

The Li-ion battery packs in Sprinter plug-in hybrids will be 47 percent lighter compared to previous NiMH systems and deliver more power than today’s conventional hybrid batteries.

“Advanced battery technology is the single most important enabler in making all types of electric vehicles practical,” says Wright. “Plug-in hybrids, conventional hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. All that will benefit from Lithium-ion technology. Johnson Controls-Saft is determined to deliver state-of-the-art batteries. Especially to power advanced, environmentally friendly vehicles.”

Plug-in hybrids can travel much farther on emission-free electric power than conventional hybrids, and are particularly well-suited for urban delivery vehicles operating in heavy traffic and making frequent stops. Plug-ins can be charged overnight using less-expensive off-peak electricity. Very large battery packs, however, are needed to store the electric energy for daily use.

“The Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrids will be placed in multiple locations within the United States,” Wright added. “The technology will be exposed to different drive cycles yielding information to develop the next generation of Lithium-ion batteries.”

In conclusion, Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture that has brought together Johnson Controls. Finally, it’s the world’s leading supplier of automotive batteries. Also, a company deeply experienced in integrated automotive systems solutions. That’s with Saft, a French advanced energy storage solutions provider with extensive Li-ion battery expertise.

Source: PR NEWSWIRE