Advanced Battery Concepts (ABC) has secured a contract that paves the way for it to supply batteries based on its bipolar ‘GreenSeal’ lead-acid technology to the US Army.
Michigan-based ABC said it has been awarded a $689,000 cost plus fixed fee contract to provide 4HN and 2HN batteries to the US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).
The company will engineer, design, and assemble sample bipolar, AGM, valve-regulated, lead-acid (VRLA) 4HN and 2HN batteries based on its GreenSeal technology— in line with an Army directive to replace flooded lead-acid batteries with absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries, ABC said.
“These samples will demonstrate improved safety, power, capacity, vibration resistance and shelf life at the same cost per kilowatt hour that the Army is currently paying,” ABC said. “Successful completion of the project could lead to a supply contract for ABC to meet the Army’s annual demand of 4HN and 2HN batteries.”
ABC founder and CEO Dr Ed Shaffer (pictured) said: “These batteries will be designed for overall improved performance in a vibration-resistant package that should contain the acid in the event of a puncture and continue to operate for a short duration. The lack of free acid improves soldier safety in a fire fight and the continuing operation of the equipment gives them a better opportunity to respond.”
ABC has already licensed its bipolar tech to a number of companies including Johnson Controls and one leading Chinese manufacturer.