Ford Motor and Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Group, have announced research on different levels of hybrid technology that can could be produced in high volume, and used in non-hybrid vehicles to achieve greater fuel savings.
Ford Motor and Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Group, have announced research on different levels of hybrid technology that can could be produced in high volume, and used in non-hybrid vehicles to achieve greater fuel savings.
The project, which is a result of a 10-year research effort, combines a lithium-ion battery with a 12-volt lead-acid battery that could enable regenerative braking technology in non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.
Ford Motor Energy Storage Strategy and Research senior manager Ted Miller said that the company is currently expanding its Auto Start-Stop technology across 70% of its lineup, and this dual-battery system has the potential to bring even more levels of hybridization to our vehicles for greater energy savings across the board.
"Although still in research, this type of battery could provide a near-term solution for greater reduction of carbon dioxide," Miller added.
The companies are also researching a longer-term ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery that could one day replace traditional lead-acid batteries. The research builds upon the lithium-ion battery technology currently available on Ford's electrified vehicles.
Samsung SDI North America Automotive Battery Systems vice president Mike O'Sullivan said that Lithium-ion batteries are typically used in consumer electronics because they are lighter and more energy-dense than other types of batteries, which also make them ideal for the vehicle.
"Battery technology is advancing rapidly and lithium-ion could one day completely replace traditional 12-volt lead-acid batteries, providing better fuel efficiency for drivers," O'Sullivan said.
Currently, the Lithium-ion batteries used in Ford's electrified vehicles are 25% to 30% smaller than previous hybrid batteries made of nickel-metal-hydride, and offer approximately three times the power per cell.
According to the companies, employing innovation in consumer electronics batteries may lead to reductions in size and weight of automotive batteries, as well as increased efficiencies and capability.
Image: Ford expects the dual-battery system to bring even more levels of hybridization to its vehicles for greater energy savings across the board. Photo: courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.
