Ford and Samsung SDI have unveiled a “near term production” dual 12V lithium-ion/lead-acid battery system and research on a 12V lithium-ion battery to dispense of the lead-acid SLI.
The dual-battery system combines a lithium-ion battery with a 12V lead-acid battery for non-hybrid vehicles with start-stop engines. The new system should enable regenerative braking and fuel savings.
Ford’s Energy Storage Strategy and Research Senior Manager Ted Miller said: “That battery system is something we hope to employ in production in a fairly near term. That’s a key component in our Start-Stop technology.” Start-stop systems turn off the engine when the vehicle stops, until the driver reveals the brake pedal. The dual system will bring more levels of hybridization that causes more energy savings and in the end a reduction of carbon dioxide, added Miller.
In the longer term, Ford and Samsung want to replace lead-acid SLI batteries entirely with a lightweight lithium-ion battery. “Battery technology is advancing rapidly and lithium-ion could one day completely replace traditional 12V lead-acid batteries, providing better fuel efficiency for drivers”, said Mike O’Sullivan, Vice President of Automotive Battery Systems Samsung SDI North America.
Ford doubled its battery testing capabilities last year and invested $135m in design, engineering and production of key battery components. At last year’s Frankfurt motor show, Samsung SDI unveiled a 12V, air-cooled lithium/lead ‘Dual Pack’, consisting of a BMS and ASIL-B-level functional safety devices.