Ford, Samsung partner on battery development

Dearborn, Michigan – Ford Motor Co. Samsung SDI, an affiliate of Samsung Group, are jointly researching different levels of hybrid technology that could one day be produced in high volume on non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.

The result of a 10-year research effort, the dual-battery system combines a lithium-ion battery with a 12V lead-acid battery that could enable regenerative braking technology in non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.

“We are currently expanding our auto start-stop technology across 70% of our 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,” says Ted Miller, senior manager, Energy Storage Strategy and Research, Ford. “Although still in research, this type of battery could provide a near-term solution for greater reduction of carbon dioxide.”

Currently available on Ford’s hybrid vehicles, regenerative braking enables the battery to capture up to 95% of the electrical energy normally lost during the braking process for reuse. The system works in conjunction with Ford’s auto start-stop, which turns off the engine when a vehicle stops to save fuel. An advanced battery then powers vehicle accessories and systems in place of the engine until the driver begins to release the brake pedal, which restarts the engine.

Ford and Samsung SDI also are researching a longer-term, ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery that could one day render traditional lead-acid batteries obsolete. The research advances lithium-ion battery technology currently available on Ford’s electrified vehicles.

“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,” says Mike O’Sullivan, vice president, Automotive Battery Systems for Samsung SDI North America. “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.”

Lithium-ion batteries currently 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. The ultra-lightweight battery concept offers a weight reduction of up to 40%, or 12 pounds. Combining the battery with other weight reduction solutions could lead to additional savings in size and weight of the overall vehicle, as well as increased efficiencies and performance.

Source: Ford Motor Co.