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Batteries for vehicles with a hybrid drive
Vehicles with a hybrid drive are the topic of the year. What battery technologies are available for this and what advantages do they offer? At Johnson Controls we have looked into this in detail and have prepared answers for you to give to your customers.How does the hybrid drive work and how are batteries used here?
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle, resulting in up to twice the fuel economy of conventional vehicles (full hybrid vehicles). Mild hybrids can save up to 15-20% fuel. This combination offers the extended range and rapid refuelling that consumers expect from conventional vehicles, with the energy and environmental benefits of an electric vehicle.
Batteries are an essential component of the HEVs as they assist in acceleration as well as operate the accessories in the vehicle. In vehicles with a hybrid drive, the batteries are recharged through energetic recovery of electrical energy on braking. Thus they facilitate a clear reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.
Johnson Controls is working to develop batteries that offer an economical combination of power, energy efficiency and life cycle for high-volume production of these vehicles.
Batteries are an essential component of the HEVs as they assist in acceleration as well as operate the accessories in the vehicle. In vehicles with a hybrid drive, the batteries are recharged through energetic recovery of electrical energy on braking. Thus they facilitate a clear reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.
Johnson Controls is working to develop batteries that offer an economical combination of power, energy efficiency and life cycle for high-volume production of these vehicles.
Which battery technologies are used for the hybrid drive?
Hybrid vehicles are commercially available today. These new hybrids use a high voltage nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery to provide stop/start and other advanced capabilities. Hybrids continue to use a 12V lead-acid battery for starting, particularly in cold weather, and for auxiliary loads. Testing continues with high voltage nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-ion batteries to advance the technology in terms of performance, weight, size and cost. Today, these batteries are commonly used in small electronic devices, but add significant expense when properly sized to power vehicles. Johnson Controls has worked with and developed improvements within all of these battery technologies, so the company is solidly positioned for the hybrid market, no matter which type of battery technology is ultimately used.
What experience does Johnson Controls have in this area?
Johnson Controls has been working for over 15 years on developing NiMH batteries. Buses that operate along regular service routes across Europe are already equipped with Johnson Controls hybrid batteries. Thus Johnson Controls is keeping pace with the trend towards environmentally friendly and cost-saving vehicles.
What research activities are being undertaken for this new technology?
Johnson Controls is actively committed to innovative battery technologies. To this end, we have set up a joint venture with the French battery producer Saft (Johnson Controls–Saft Advanced Power Solutions). The aim of the joint venture is to manufacture batteries for hybrid vehicles of the next generation that have a significantly lower weight and appreciably reduce petrol consumption. Thus we remain leaders in the research and development of new battery systems.PLEASE VISIT OUR BRANDS WEBSITES
