Lithium and GAIA Receives Order from BMW For Prototype 42-Volt Auto Battery
Lithium Technology Corp., a pilot line stage rechargeable lithium battery manufacturer, said that together with the German lithium polymer battery company, GAIA Akkumulatorenwerke GmbH (GAIA), it is in the process of completing a prototype 42-Volt battery for BMW. Delivery is scheduled in the July-August 2002 timeframe.
The prototype lithium battery, which will undergo testing in the U.S. and Europe, delivers 7-8 Kilowatts of power, with a capacity of 27 Amp-hours, a pulse power capability of 200 Amps for starting, and an estimated life of 8 years. It consists of unique stacked flat cells housed in a standard European automotive battery casing with dimensions of 7″ x 7.5″ x 12″, complete with power management and control circuitry.
The battery life, weight and performance compare more than favorably with competitive lead acid and nickel metal hydride systems. The battery is designed to meet the 42-Volt battery specifications of the Astor project, a program sponsored by a consortium of European automakers, including BMW, to test advanced energy storage systems.
LTC’s Executive Vice President and COO Dr. Andrew J. Manning said, “Our 42-Volt prototype represents the culmination of several years’ worth of advanced technology and product development work for the LTC team in unique large format flat cell designs and stacked-cell battery assemblies.”
In the mid 1990s carmakers in the U.S., Japan and Europe began looking at increasing the on-board battery power to 42-Volts, which is expected to provide multiple advantages — better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and an expanded array of on-board electronics and creature comforts.
Japanese 42-Volt systems are anticipated in the marketplace in 2003, while European manufacturers are aiming at 2004-5 for the introduction.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Ron DeMarines
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
