Johnson Controls-Saft, a joint venture of Johnson Controls, Inc. and Saft Groupe SA, has signed a five-year supply agreement with Azure Dynamics Inc. (Azure Dynamics) to provide advanced lithium-ion (Li-Ion) hybrid battery technology to power commercial vehicles in North America. This agreement signals the progress in development of a US supply base to help build an infrastructure for the development and manufacture of hybrid electric vehicles.
As more and more consumers demand energy-efficient vehicles, it is also critical that commercial fleets do their part to reduce their reliance on foreign oil while also improving the impact they have on the environment, said Mary Ann Wright, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture and is vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls hybrid business. This is great progress for the U.S. supply base.
Most of the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology uses nickel metal hydride batteries. Lithium-ion provides a lighter, more powerful design with a longer life than most new technologies and is viewed as the technology of choice to power the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in near future.
The battery pack supplied by the company complements Azure’s extensive experience in the growing hybrid electric commercial vehicle market. Azure Dynamics is committed to the development and the production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for the commercial vehicles. The resultant turnkey battery solution provides a lighter, more powerful design with a longer life than most current technologies, allowing Azure Dynamics to deliver measurable performance and emission improvements to its customers.
The 345-volt battery system will use advanced Li-Ion cell technology optimized for life, power, and the reliability. The cell design was supported through the company’s partnership with the US Advanced Battery Consortium and the Department of Energy to develop advanced energy storage technology for the electrified powertrain vehicles. The robust battery pack is designed to mount under vehicle body and can withstand road debris and water spray and the submersion. Azure Dynamics will use the pack on its new Balance Hybrid Electric and the future hybrid platforms. The company’s vehicles are in operation for major fleet customers like AT&T, Con Edison, FedEx Express and Purolator Couriers.
All indicators point to continued growth in the hybrid electric vehicle commercial sector, said Curt Huston, Azure’s chief operating officer. Industry-wide, the requisite battery packs have been a constraint. Now, via this agreement, Azure Dynamics assured of high-quality battery packs with predictable deliveries and a cost structure that will appeal to both current and potential customers.
In addition to fuel savings and environmental benefits, Azure’s new Balance Hybrid Electric technology can reduce vehicle maintenance costs by about 30%, further decreasing overall fleet operating costs.
Increased public pressure and the government attention on more efficient, eco-friendly vehicles are propelling the HEV marketplace. Commercial transportation in an urban environment accounts for only 12%of total miles driven, yet is responsible for 25% of total greenhouse emissions. Azure Dynamics focused on HEV commercial delivery vehicles and also HEV shuttle buses that run in urban settings. The new battery pack is designed to also be compatible for service upgrades to the Azure Dynamics’ existing vehicles.
The complete battery systems, including the electronics, electrical and mechanical components will be assembled at the company’s facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.