Auto parts manufacturer Johnson Controls is set to launch its first-generation 48-volt Lithium-ion Micro Hybrid battery at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany.
The new battery joins the company's full range of advanced energy storage solutions for automobiles.
Johnson Controls' Micro Hybrid battery system, which boasts of a dual voltage architecture, will feature a 12-volt starter battery and a 48-volt Lithium-ion battery that facilitates optimization of energy generation and consumption.
According to the company, the battery system is capable of providing up to 15% fuel savings in vehicles. It is available for testing with key automotive customers this December.
Johnson Controls Power Solutions' Original Equipment Group vice president and general manager Ray Shemanski said that the company expects this technology to play an integral role in meeting aggressive fuel economy and emission reduction targets.
"Micro Hybrid systems will be able to support the automotive industry's needs at a much lower cost than hybrid or electric vehicles, and therefore, offer a mass-production solution that can be leveraged across our customers' fleets."
"We expect Micro Hybrid technology will be adopted in Europe first, due to more stringent fuel economy and emissions standards, and then quickly move to U.S. markets in the next few years with global adoption starting in 2020," said Shemanski.
The battery is designed to quickly capture energy from braking and can support higher loads such as air-conditioning and active chassis technologies. In addition, it will continue to power to the vehicle starter, interior and exterior lights, and entertainment systems such as radios and DVD players.
The company will manufacture the prismatic Lithium-ion cells and complete systems for the Micro Hybrid battery prototypes its advanced manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan.
