Johnson Controls Shrinks Cost And Size Of Micro-Hybrid Batteries

There is still a lot of low-hanging fruit to be plucked in the bid to increase fuel economy, including wider application of micro-hybrid start-stop systems. Rather than providing any forward motion, micro-hybrids allow engines to shut down at idle, eliminating the waste of fuel when the vehicle is stopped. Johnson Controls has announced a smaller and cheaper micro-hybrid battery that could encourage the wider use of this fuel-saving technology.

Whereas previous micro-hybrids relied on batteries that took up a sizable chunk of trunk space, Johnson Controls has shrunken a 48-volt lithium-ion battery down to the size of a shoebox. When combined with an advanced lead-acid 12-volt battery to provide the initial starting power, this system could represent a great leap forward in micro-hybrid technology, also known as start-stop tech.

The reduction in size also comes with a reduction in cost, though the unit only has an expected lifespan of four years. Still, replacement will be relatively easy, and fuel economy gains could be as high as 15% in vehicles with bigger engines, and can even be paired with regenerative braking for more fuel savings. Micro-hybrid systems provide all the necessary electrical power at idle, shutting down the engine to save fuel and then seamlessly restarting when the gas pedal is pressed. These systems are cheap and effective, although American fuel economy testing methods don’t take their benefits entirely into account.

That could change if automakers make a push to change the rules, as has happened in Europe where micro-hybrids are an increasingly popular option to full-on hybrids that carry a higher price premium. If the incentive is there, automakers will build it. But are buyers ready for a lesser hybrid experience?

Source: The Truth About Cars

Johnson Controls to unveil micro hybrid lead-acid/Li-ion battery demonstration module at North American International Auto Show

Johnson Controls, Inc. will introduce a 48V Micro Hybrid battery demonstration module as part of its full spectrum of advanced energy storage solutions for automobiles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Leveraging a dual voltage architecture, Johnson Controls’ Micro Hybrid battery system would involve a low voltage lead-acid battery and a 48 volt Lithium-ion battery that enable optimization of energy generation and consumption, thus saving fuel.

In prospective development programs with key automakers, the 48 volt battery could support higher power loads such as electric air-conditioning, active chassis technologies and the capture of direct regenerative power energy braking. The 12 volt battery would continue to provide power to the vehicle starter, interior and exterior lights, and entertainment systems such as radios and DVD players.

Johnson Controls sees opportunities for the development of evolutionary energy storage systems that offer even more fuel efficiency than Start-Stop at less cost than a hybrid or electric vehicle. Even as Start-Stop vehicles become part of the mainstream in Europe and start to take hold in the US, Micro Hybrid technology has the potential to deliver the next level of fuel efficiency along the spectrum of vehicle performance, reaching upwards of 15 to 20% in fuel economy.

We expect this technology to be adopted in Europe first, due to more stringent fuel economy and emissions standards, and then quickly move to US markets in the next few years with mass adoption by 2020.

—Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Spark EV tested … but what’s happening with its battery supplier?

GM is getting ready for the launch of the Spark EV, officially rolled out at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, Nov. 28, and revealed the new EV’s batteries have undergone over 200,000 hours of testing.

“When our team set out to develop the propulsion system for Spark EV, we knew we had to provide surprising fun-to-drive acceleration with maximum efficiency,” said Spark EV Chief Engineer Chuck Russell. “What we think customers will enjoy most is how fun the Spark EV is to drive; it’s seamless and power is available at every stage of the drive. This will help us to provide an exciting option for those customers who are looking for an EV that’s as muchfun to drive as it is environmentally responsible.”

 

As per GM, the Spark EV’s electric motor is an oil-cooled, permanent magnet unit that will produce at least 100 kilowatts (130 horsepower) and provide instantaneous torque of about 400 pound-feet with the coaxial drive unit, resulting in 0-60 mph acceleration in less than eight seconds.

The electric motor gets its power from a 20-kwh lithium ion battery pack that is comprised of 336 prismatic cells using Nanophosphate lithium ion phosphate chemistry.

“Spark EV’s battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs,” said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM’s global electrification engineering team. “This testing paved the way to allow Spark EV customers to use the recently approved SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging to recharge up to 80 percent of the battery capacity in about 20 minutes.”

According to GM, the Spark EV team was able to reduce development time and cost by using many of the same components and systems from the Chevrolet Volt and GM’s Two-Mode hybrid truck programs.

 

GM says more than 75 percent of the propulsion system components used are from other GMvehicle programs.

The Spark EV will go on sale in participating dealerships throughout California, Oregon, Canada and other global markets next year as a 2014 model-year vehicle.

The Spark EV will be eligible for coveted high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in California.

Johnson Controls Appeals A123 Sale

The A123 Systems saga is far from over as Johnson Controls objects to delay in payment of break-up fee and expense reimbursement.

On Dec. 17, Johnson Controls filed an appeal in bankruptcy court of the Dec. 11, 2012 sale order approving Wanxiang’s purchase of A123 Systems.

As part of the sale order, the court ordered the escrow of the break-up fee and expense reimbursement due to the company under its stalking horse agreement with A123.

 

Johnson Controls is appealing the sale order to obtain the breakup fee and expense reimbursement to which it is entitled under that agreement and which were previously approved by the bankruptcy court.

“We appreciated the opportunity to serve as stalking horse, which resulted in significant value to the estate, creditors and employees,” said Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.

A123 was directed to place the breakup fee and expense reimbursement in escrow after A123′s creditors’ committee suggested to the court that Johnson Controls was lobbying against the sale of A123 to Wanxiang.

“As a market leader and major employer with significant operations in the United States, we have expertise and insights regarding the industries we serve, which are important resources for leaders and decision makers. Our representatives regularly provide educational material and expert opinions on many topics including advanced batteries, lithium-ion technology and the various applications they serve,” said Molinaroli.

Johnson Controls defends itself in saying it maintains an active government relations function that involves regular interaction with policy makers and agencies on the full range of issues relevant to the company. The activities of Johnson Controls’ representatives involving public officials are consistent with First Amendment rights to free speech and are strictly governed by the company’s ethics policy and comply with government regulations.

The significant issue of U.S. regulatory approval required for any sale of A123 to Wanxiang has been a constant challenge dating back to Wanxiang’s original failed attempt to acquire A123 earlier in 2012, prior to bankruptcy.

Johnson Controls says it has consistently maintained that national security questions tied to the core technology used in all of A123′s businesses represent a risk to the sale which cannot be dismissed until resolved by the government review process.

Johnson Controls says it shared and still shares concerns that have been voiced by members of Congress and other interested parties and therefore will continue to monitor this process.

“Should the sale of A123 Systems to Wanxiang not be completed for any reason, Johnson Controls remains open to considering future opportunities to acquire relevant portions of A123′s assets, keeping this critically important technology in the United States, preserving jobs and furthering the purpose of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act,” said Molinaroli.

Source: GM-Volt.com

Johnson Controls withdrew from A123 Systems bankruptcy auction

Following the announcement by A123 Systems that it that reached agreement to sell most of its assets to Wanxiang for $256.6 million (earlier post), Johnson Controls announced that it had officially withdrawn from the bankruptcy auction when it declined to match the higher bid submitted by Wanxiang. Johnson Controls and NEC had submitted complementary bids, Johnson Controls for the automotive and government assets and NEC for the grid and commercial assets.

Johnson Controls originally made a $125-million bid for A123’s automotive business. (Earlier post.)

The final sale to Wanxiang is subject to approval by the bankruptcy court. A hearing is currently scheduled for 11 December. Sale to Wanxiang is also subject to review by the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and requires approval by the US government.

While A123’s automotive and government assets were complementary to Johnson Controls’ portfolio and aligned with our long-term goals, Wanxiang’s offer was beyond the value of those assets to Johnson Controls. Reports by other parties that our proposal involved an elimination of jobs in Michigan are inaccurate.

—Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Johnson Controls launched the first US facility to produce complete Li-ion battery cells and packs for hybrid and electric vehicles, in Holland, Mich. The company was recently named as one of the industry leaders in the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research $120-million energy research hub led by Argonne National Lab and funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE). (Earlier post.) In 2009, Johnson Controls was awarded a $299-million matching grant by the DOE under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to build domestic manufacturing capacity for advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles.

A123 Bankruptcy Auction Set For December 6th By Court

Ailing battery firm A123 Systems, which supplies batteries to Fisker, BMW and GM among others, could soon have a new owner after Delaware courts have imposed a deadline for bids.

Two companies vying for A123 and its assets are auto-parts maker Johnson Controls, and Chinese auto-parts maker Wanxiang Group.

Associated Press reports the new December 6 date has been set in place, in lieu of a November deadline, to allow more companies to compete for the bankrupt battery company.

Wangxiang Group is currently the leading bidder on A123. The company previously put forward a $465 million rescue deal for A123, which fell through when A123 was unable to meet some of the Chinese company's agreement criteria.

Johnson Controls then put in a debtor-in-possession loan, subsequently withdrawn to allow bidding from Wangxiang to go ahead. Johnson Controls still intends to acquire A123's automotive assets with a $125 million bid.

Wangxiang is currently seeking regulatory approval for its bid, from both the Committee of Foreign Investment in the U.S, and the Government of China.

The company is confident it will gain approval, but A123 had previously wanted an earlier bid deadline to guarantee Johnson Controls the sale--just in case the Chinese bid couldn't continue.

Meanwhile, a judge has approved a performance-based incentive plan at A123 for ten senior employees, and a retention plan of $2.4 million for 66 existing A123 employees.

Source: Green Car Reports

Future Unclear For Bankrupt A123 Battery Firm As Rescuers Maneuver

Bankrupt battery maker A123 Systems could finally be on the verge of successfully securing a loan from a Chinese auto parts maker. The company will discuss with bankruptcy courts to secure approval for a loan from Wanxiang Group Corp.

A123 became bankrupt after a $465 million rescuedeal from the Chinese company fell through, with A123 unable to meet some of the terms of the companies' agreement. Wanxiang would have owned 80 percent of the struggling firm, which supplies batteries for Fisker, BMW, and the upcoming Chevrolet Spark EV.

As Reuters reports, an interim debtor-in-possession (DIP) loan from auto parts supplier Johnson Controls has been withdrawn to enable the Wanxiang loan to proceed. Johnson Controls has said it will still maintain its $125 million bid for A123's automotive assets. However, a replacement DIP loan from Wanxiang could put the Chinese company at an advantage over Johnson Controls.

Fisker, who objected to the $125 million bid from Johnson Controls, should also be better served should the Chinese bid succeed. The luxury carmaker was responsible for 26 percent of A123's income in 2011, and its battery recall over faulty cells has been partly responsible for A123's downfall. The main stumbling block to Wanxiang could be gaining approval from both the Committee of Foreign Investment in the U.S, and the Government of China, before the deal goes ahead.

If that goes well, then only a challenge from Johnson Controls over assets would stand in the way of the loan.

For A123 and its stakeholders, a resolution can't come too soon.

Source: Green Car Reports

Fisker asks bankruptcy judge to delay A123 asset transfer to Johnson Controls

A123 System's bankruptcy created a quite a stir in the plug-in vehicle industry. Now, Fisker is asking the judge that the bankruptcy auction be delayed by a minimum of 30 days so that creditors' value "may be realized through higher and better offers." Fisker is involved in A123 because the battery maker is the sole supplier of battery packs to the Fisker Karma. The deal now means that A123 has $100 million worth of obligations that "give rise to substantial unsecured claims" in Fisker's favor, according to court papers filed today, Bloomberg reports.

Fisker said it would also file an emergency motion to challenge "debtor-in-possession loan." Johnson Controls is set to take over A123's automotive assets, and Fisker said it is not trying to stand in the way of an asset sale in theory. It just wants the delay because "various protections" that Johnson Controls has "are unnecessary, excessive, and counterproductive to a successful sales process."

Fisker attorney Gregg Galardi said the bankruptcy process was "crafted" to benefit Johnson Controls and that, "The best interests of the estates, however, are not well served through a hasty and unfair sale process designed to ensure that JCI is the ultimate purchaser." In other words: don't let all this good stuff go cheaply.

RELATED GALLERY2012 Fisker Karma: Second Drive

News Source: Bloomberg

Johnson Controls acts to facilitate A123 bankruptcy process, avoid delays by threatened actions from Wanxiang

In collaboration with A123 Systems, Johnson Controls has chosen not to be the debtor-in-possession (DIP) lender during A123’s bankruptcy process to avoid potential delays posed by threatened legal actions from Wanxiang. The parties believe this move is in the best interest of the estate by ensuring an efficient process that will best preserve value for creditors, employees and customers.

We are concerned that back-and-forth posturing by other interested parties may lead to confusion and anxiety for A123’s employees and customers and thus destroy underlying value in the estate. We have agreed to step aside as the DIP funder in order to keep the process moving and allow it to conclude in the most efficient manner possible. We want to reassure employees, customers and other stakeholders that Johnson Controls remains committed to our acquisition of A123, which will keep a source of critical jobs, intellectual property and advanced battery technology in the United States.

—Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Johnson Controls maintains its $125 million offer for A123’s automotive assets as well as the stalking horse position in the bankruptcy process subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, expected on 5 November. The company also plans to expand its offer to include A123’s government business, including military contracts, during the bankruptcy process.

A123’s technology provides a combination of performance attributes that make it well suited for a range of applications, including certain automotive and military applications that are complementary to Johnson Controls’ existing portfolio.

—Alex Molinaroli

Johnson Controls to supply Li-ion pack for XL Hybrids aftermarket system; Class 1 to 3 commercial vehicle hybrid electric powertrain

XL Hybrids, Inc., developer of a low-cost hybrid electric powertrain designed specifically for class 1 to 3 commercial fleet use (earlier post), signed a one-year supply agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc. for 1.8 kWh Li-ion packs for use in XL’s aftermarket hybrid conversion system.

The packs, with a peak discharge power rating of 50 kW and nominal voltage of 260V, will use high-power, spiral-wound Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) cells to power light-duty commercial vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans. The cells, modules and packs will be manufactured at Johnson Controls’ Meadowbrook facility in Holland, Mich, says David DeGraaf, vice president and general manager of the Americas’ original equipment business at Johnson Controls Power Solutions.

Johnson Controls’ Meadowbrook facility, which received a $299-million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, produces complete Lithium-ion battery cells and systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. Pack assembly began in September, 2010, with cell production starting in the summer of 2011. Johnson Controls has supply contracts with Daimler, BMW, BAIC, Geely and Odyne.

Our agreement with Johnson Controls, one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, gives our team and customers confidence in the performance and quality of such a critical component as the energy storage system. Purchasing a battery pack manufactured in the USA was an additional bonus as we are committed to supporting domestic production.

—Clay Siegert, co-founder and vice president of supply chain at XL Hybrids

XL Hybrids has already sold hybrid Chevrolet Express vans to some of the largest fleets in the US for fleet pilot testing. The company’s hybrid electric powertrain integrates seamlessly with the original equipment manufacturer’s engine and transmission. By integrating Johnson Controls’ Lithium-Ion battery packs, the system is capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 21% on urban routes, helping fleet managers reduce fuel costs without added infrastructure or changes to operations.

The hybrid Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans featuring the 1.8 kWh battery pack from Johnson Controls will go on sale in 2013. XL Hybrids will extend its offering to include a full lineup of hybrid makes and models including the most popular pickup trucks and vans.

Our strategy for sourcing components is to work with the top tier component suppliers. As a startup, we manage our risk by working with the best component suppliers; that allows our company to focus on our core inovation, system design, and how get out to the field. It’s a process we’ve learned.

—Justin Ashton, co-founder and vice president of business development, XL Hybrids

The cell and the module technology applied in the pack has been tested and used in other automotive applications, DeGraaf said, but the pack was developed specifically for XL Hybrids.

We tried to use as much core technology as we could. For XL Hybrids [the pack] is optimized for power for an HEV application. We are committed to the [automotive Li-ion] space for the long-term. We work with customers, on their energy or power solutions, and then utilize the core products, what we have developed today at Toledo or Meadowbrook.

—David DeGraaf

USABC awards $5.48M Li-ion PHEV battery technology development contract to Johnson Controls

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC), an organization whose members are Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors, has awarded a $5.48-million lithium-ion battery technology development contract to Johnson Controls Inc.

USABC awarded the contract to continue Johnson Controls’ development of lithium-ion battery technology for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications to meet USABC goals for low-cost, long-life, high-power and high energy vehicle systems. The award, which completes work begun under previous contracts (NMC chemistry prismatic cell), is co-funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and includes a 50% cost-share by Johnson Controls.

The focus of this 24-month program is to further increase the volumetric energy density of a hard-cased prismatic cell technology developed in a preceding USABC-Johnson Controls program through a combination of innovative material and processing advances.

The improved energy density is aimed at reducing cost, volume and mass. All cells will be built either in Johnson Controls Battery Technology Center in Milwaukee or its Li-ion manufacturing facility in Holland, Mich.

The new contract is USABC’s third with Johnson Controls, previous research of which with USABC included competitively bid contracts for the development of battery cell, module and pack technology for PHEV applications and lithium-ion battery systems development for hybrid electric vehicles.

USABC is a subsidiary of the United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR). Enabled by a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE), USABC’s mission is to develop electrochemical energy storage technologies that support commercialization of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles. As such, USABC has developed mid- and long-term goals to guide its projects and measure its progress.

Founded in 1992, USCAR is the collaborative automotive technology company for Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

Johnson Controls to Build $100 Million Start-Stop Battery Plant in China

PRESS RELEASE

Due to increasing global demand for high-quality automotive batteries for environmentally friendly Start-Stop technology, Johnson Controls is investing $100 million to build a Start-Stop vehicle battery plant in China. The plant will supply global and local automakers in Asia and is expected to start production in early 2013.

Johnson Controls, the global market leader in automotive batteries, is expanding its operations in China. As announced by the company during its press conference at the 64th Internationale Automobilausstellung, Johnson Controls plans to produce an annual capacity of 2.4 million Start-Stop batteries by 2015 for local and global automakers.

"We project that China will continue to be the fastest growing market for automobiles through the end of this decade. At the same time, interest in the environment and more energy efficient vehicles is driving many of our OE customers to add Start-Stop vehicles to their fleets," said Kim Metcalf-Kupres, vice president strategy, sales and marketing at Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "We are working closely with our customers globally to ensure they receive the same levels of performance and reliable quality everywhere as we establish regional capacity in line with growing demand."

The company is exploring several potential locations for the new plant and expects to make a final decision in the coming months.

Johnson Controls investing $520 million globally for additional Start-Stop battery capacity

Johnson Controls anticipates the market for Start-Stop vehicles will grow to 35 million globally by 2015. To support this rapid growth, the company is investing $520 million worldwide over the next four years in additional production capacity for Start-Stop batteries: $280 million in Germany, an additional $140 million in the United States, and $100 million dollars in China.

Johnson Controls is currently the leading supplier of Start-Stop batteries in Europe through its VARTA(R) brand. In Germany, the company's plants in Hanover and Zwickau produce more than 11 million Start-Stop batteries annually. The company is also adding 6.8 million units of capacity in the United States.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 154,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. http://www.johnsoncontrols.com

Johnson Controls to invest $138.5M in Toledo battery facility to support start-stop market; projecting 70-92% demand globally for start-stop systems i

JCI is projecting between 70-–92% demand for start-stop systems in new vehicles by 2020 in the Europe, North America and China markets, squeezing out conventional ICE vehicles. Source: JCI. Click to enlarge.

Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) plans to invest $138.5 million to convert its battery plant near Toledo, Ohio into an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery facility for start-stop and other higher efficiency vehicles. Subject to final state and local incentives, the facility will be the company’s first such plant in the United States.

Alex Molinaroli, president for Johnson Controls Power Solutions, said that the company sees the start-stop vehicle technology market growing to 35 million batteries globally by 2015—including batteries not put into new vehicles—with the United States as an important piece of the market. By 2020, JCI projects, demand for start-stop systems in new vehicles will reach 70–92% in Europe, North American and China—essentially supplanting conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Johnson Controls’ Toledo investment will add 6 million in AGM battery capacity to the company’s North American AGM footprint by 2013.

Start-Stop is a technology applied to a standard gasoline-powered vehicle that automatically shuts the engine off during idle, reducing fuel use and emissions by 5–12 percent, and restarts when the driver engages the clutch or releases the brake pedal.

In a presentation at Johnson Controls Power Solutions Analyst Day, Craig Rigby, Vice President Global Product Engineering, noted that key energy storage attributes—cycling, usable energy, and charge acceptance—tend work against each other. Battery charge acceptance allows a system to capture braking energy to replenish the battery after a start-stop event. A commercially viable system must balance improved charge acceptance with cost and complexity, he said, noting that most current vehicles do not fully utilize the charge acceptance of existing technology.

While there are a number of alternative technologies being proposed for start-stop—such as carbon additives to the negative plate; replacing lead negative plates with carbon plates; or coupling an AGM battery with ultracapacitors—all face challenges and have an impact on cost, he said. AGM, on the other hand, provides the best balance of attributes and aligns with most current and future application requirements, he argued.

VARTA AGM battery. Click to enlarge.

Johnson Controls is currently the leading supplier of start-stop batteries in Europe through its VARTA brand. In 2010 the company supplied 3 million VARTA Start-Stop batteries in Europe, and is adding capacity there to reach 11.2 million batteries by 2015.

In addition to Start-Stop, our Original Equipment customers are also turning to our AGM technology to support many of their other new high efficiency vehicles that place similar aggressive demands on the battery. Our Toledo facility will be very important in helping to establish the same leadership here in the United States.

—Jorge Guillen, vice president, Start-Stop, for Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Pending final state and local approvals, Johnson Controls will receive a combination of tax credits and incentives from the state of Ohio totaling $25 million. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer and the first line will launch production in spring 2012.

Source: Green Car Congress

Johnson Controls files petition to dissolve Li-ion battery JV with Saft

Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) has filed a petition with the Delaware Court of Chancery to dissolve Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions LLC (JCS), the automotive Li-ion battery joint venture between Johnson Controls and Saft. The filing is under the Dispute Resolution Provisions set forth in the Johnson Controls-Saft LLC Operating Agreement signed in January 2006.

JCI has advised Saft that the dispute is based on a wish to expand the scope of JCS beyond the limits set within the 2006 Agreement. Saft has advised JCI that it intends to oppose this filing as it sees no legitimate grounds for the dissolution.

Neither Johnson Controls-Saft, nor any of its subsidiaries, are an active party to the legal action. This matter arises out of a disagreement between Johnson Controls and Saft about the future direction of the joint venture; the filing does not affect Johnson Controls-Saft’s current contracts, production orders or program launches.

The joint venture was formed in 2006 to develop and manufacture lithium-ion automotive battery solutions. Johnson Controls says that it believes that as vehicle power train technologies continue to evolve and new markets emerge for advanced batteries, it must have access to multiple alternative technologies and be able to flexibly participate more broadly across the energy storage space.

Johnson Controls and Saft have a fundamental disagreement about the future direction and appropriate scope of the joint venture. The industry is evolving rapidly and the investments needed to achieve market leadership require us to do more than the joint venture has done or can do. This action reaffirms our strategic commitment to the advanced battery industry.

—Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Saft says that it has confidence in the strategy, the technological positioning, the management and employees of JCS and sees a profitable future for the venture as outlined in the current Business Plan. Saft further argues that JCS has become an important player in the automotive HEV/PHEV/EV market and has won a number of significant production contracts with major clients.

Saft says it has made a number of proposals to try to reach a compromise agreement with JCI and avoid any legal procedure. Although these proposals have been rejected by JCI, says Saft, it remains open to reaching a settlement that avoids protracted legal action.

Saft says that while it could consider some adjustments in the scope of the JV, it would not be in its strategic interest to address through JCS certain lithium-ion markets where Saft is already strongly positioned and enjoys a rapid development.

The Delaware Court of Chancery is a non-jury trial court that serves as Delaware’s court of original and exclusive equity jurisdiction, and adjudicates a wide variety of cases involving trusts, real property, guardianships, civil rights, and commercial litigation.

Source: Green Car Congress

Johnson Controls Launches Demo Drive Website to Educate Consumers on Advanced Vehicle Technology

Johnson Controls, Inc., launched its Demo Drive website to educate consumers on the benefits of advanced vehicle technology. This interactive tool allows consumers to compare fuel usage, CO₂ emissions and travel costs among a vehicle with a standard internal combustion engine, a Start-Stop vehicle, and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

Recent research has demonstrated that a majority of consumers don't know the difference among the different types of advanced technology vehicles. We built Demo Drive so that consumers can see for themselves how the various types of vehicle technologies can positively impact their life. It allows people to pick a driving style that is closest to their own and see the cost and emissions benefits of two of the most realistic and globally available technologies - hybrid and start-stop.

—Mary Ann Wright, global vice president for technology and innovation at Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Users choose one of six driving styles such as “countryside commuter” and “motorway maven” that most resembles their daily vehicle usage and follow the virtual route while learning how vehicle performance varies among several engine applications along the way. The interactive Demo Drive experience is intended to give consumers a better understanding of and appreciation for how the various advanced technologies would impact their pocketbook and the environment. Consumers will also be able to share their findings and discuss further on a dedicated Facebook page at www.facebook.com/demodrive.

Demo Drive is one element of Johnson Controls’ global strategy to raise awareness about the spectrum of vehicle technology available to consumers who want to improve fuel economy and decrease CO₂ emissions on their vehicle.

Johnson Controls is the leading supplier of Start-Stop batteries through its VARTA Start-Stop brand, currently providing more than 3 million Start-Stop batteries a year with plans to invest more than $350 million globally over the next two to three years.

Johnson Controls, through its joint venture Johnson Controls-Saft, is also a leading global supplier of Lithium-ion advanced battery systems for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Source: Green Car Congress

Johnson Controls Unviels Next Generation Lithium Ion Battery - ie:3

Cutaway of the new pack in the ie:3 demonstrator. Click to enlarge.

Johnson Controls unveiled its next-generation Li-ion battery cell and pack, applied in the new ie:3 (“inspired efficiency”) battery-electric demonstrator vehicle (BEV) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Johnson Controls Saft hard-case prismatic 30 Ah cell (the 30M) uses NMC cathode materials—a mixed oxide material containing nickel, manganese and cobalt—and is targeted for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. For application in the ie:3, Johnson Controls paired the cells in parallel, for a 60Ah unit.

For the ie:3 demonstrator, Johnson Controls designed a 23.7 kWh pack comprising 216 cells that fits completely under the floor. The new prismatic format (which still needs to be finalized, according to Johnson Controls) achieves greater packaging efficiency and uses less space.

The cooling loop is isolated from the pack compartment itself, and utilizes a baseplate that can be thermally managed according to automakers’s desires—i.e., using air or liquid.

Johnson Controls envisages the ie:3 small car as having a 100-mile (161 km) electric range enabled by that size pack, equipped with the NMC cells.

Packaged differently, Johnson Controls noted, the new cell will also be effective in a plug-in hybrid application.

Source: Green Car Congress

Ford to Join Forces With Johnson Controls-Saft to Supply Batteries for PHEV's

The Ford Escape PHEV


What do you know? More good news for our day. The Ford Motor Company officially announced its partnership with Johnson Controls-Saft to develop lithium ion batteries for its upcoming plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicle. This is great news indeed as I believe Johnson Controls makes an excellent product and this alliance will prove fruitful.

Indeed, Ford is already using JCS batteries in their fleet of Ford Escape PHEV's. Ford launched a test fleet with various electric companies across the nation in order to garner real world data on the performance and characteristics of the plug-in hybrid Escape. Unfortunately, Ford has no plans to offer a PHEV Escape in the future. This is a shame as the vehicle can obtain over 100 mpg when using mostly battery power (which can last up to 30 miles). The Ford Escape PHEV is precisely the alternate energy vehicle that can make a profound impact on our use of foreign oil.

Ford plans to offer a battery electric vehicle (BEV) commercial use van in 2010, a BEV small sedan in 2011 and the aforementioned PHEV in 2012. The question is, "Why can't Ford offer the PHEV Escape in 2010?" Can you think of any reason that prevents this?

From Green Car Congress:

"Ford has into a partnership with Johnson Controls-Saft (JCS) to develop advanced lithium-ion battery system to power Ford’s first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) beginning in 2012. Also, seven regional electric utility partners are joining Ford and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to conduct real-world tests on an expanding fleet of Ford Escape PHEVs.

Ford says partnerships will help it accelerate its electrification strategy, including bringing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) van to market in 2010 for commercial use, a small BEV sedan developed jointly with Magna International—unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January—by 2011 (earlier post) and a PHEV by 2012.

The lithium-ion battery system that Johnson Controls-Saft is designing and manufacturing for Ford include cells, mechanical, electrical, electronic and thermal components. Initially the cells will be produced at the supplier’s production facility in France, but the system will be assembled in the United States. The five-year supply agreement includes delivery for committed production in 2012 with a target of at least 5,000 units per year.

Ford’s current demonstration fleet of Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) is using JCS Li-ion packs. The first PHEV research prototype used a JCS 10 kWh lithium-ion battery pack based off a 41 Ah cylindrical cell. Ford and JCS developed the plug-in pack together. The PHEV uses a blended operating strategy, and delivers an equivalent 30-mile all-electric range, according to Ford. (Earlier post.)

Ford is providing Escape PHEVs for real world road testing to its new research and utility partners around the country, including:

• New York Power Authority
• Consolidated Edison of New York
• American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio
• Alabama Power of Birmingham, Ala.; and its parent, Atlanta-based Southern Company
• Progress Energy of Raleigh, N.C.
• DTE Energy of Detroit
• National Grid of Waltham, Mass.
• New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, a state agency.

Ford formed its first utility partnership with Southern California Edison in 2007. (Earlier post.)

EPRI, which is providing financial and logistical support for extensive new studies, formed the collaboration of utilities for the program. This allows EPRI and Ford, which first entered into a three-year agreement in March, to study regional differences and the impact on the electric grid as well as the vehicles.

The data mined from these field tests will provide crucial information that will help us continue to make advances in battery technology, vehicle systems and customer usage. This technical information will lead to PHEV standards that will ultimately help automakers and utilities develop an efficient, convenient infrastructure and a seamless interface between the road and the power grid.

—Arshad Mansoor, EPRI vice president of Power Delivery and Utilization

The research into PHEVs focuses on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage, and grid infrastructure. The companies also will explore the potential for stationary battery application and the value of energy storage.

Ford was the first automotive manufacturer to partner with the utility industry in a shared effort to understand all of the issues related to PHEV technology and its interconnectivity with the electric grid.

We are at the point where we need to work with the battery supply base, the utility industry and the government in order to find ways to make electrified vehicles an affordable proposition for consumers. Plug-in hybrids hold great promise, but do still face significant obstacles to commercialization.

—Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

The demonstration Ford Escape PHEV uses common household current (120V) for charging, with a full charge of the battery completed within six to eight hours. When driven on surface streets for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg—roughly 4.5 times its traditional gas internal combustion engine-powered counterpart.

A fully charged Ford Escape PHEV operates in two modes, electric drive and blended electric/engine drive. It is not range-limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Once the charge in the battery has been depleted, the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel-efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid."