Feb 1, 2009 12:00 PM

Johnson Controls-Saft and Azure Dynamics Inc. (AZD) announced a new supply agreement that will provide some of the world's most advanced lithium-ion (Li-Ion) hybrid battery technology to power commercial vehicles in North America. The five-year supply agreement signals progress in the development of a U.S. supply base to help build an infrastructure for development and manufacture of hybrid electric vehicles.

Most current hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology uses nickel metal hydride batteries. Li-Ion offers a lighter, more powerful design with a longer life than most current technologies and is viewed as the technology of choice to power plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the near future. Johnson Controls-Saft is an independent supplier of Li-Ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles with multiple production and development contracts with global automakers.

The 345-volt battery system will utilize advanced Li-Ion cell technology optimized for life, power, and reliability. The cell design was supported through Johnson Controls-Saft's partnership with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium and the Department of Energy to develop advanced energy storage technology for electrified powertrain vehicles. The robust battery pack is designed to mount under the vehicle body and can withstand road debris and water spray and submersion. Azure will use the pack on its current Balance Hybrid Electric and future hybrid platforms.

Complete battery systems, including electronics, electrical, and mechanical components, will be assembled at the Johnson Controls-Saft facility in Milwaukee WI.