MILWAUKEE, June 10 WI-Johnson-Controls
MILWAUKEE, June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As increasing numbers of
consumers look for fuel-efficient, low emission vehicle options, a test fleet
of Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is making its way on
the road today. Powered by lithium-ion batteries from Johnson
Controls-Saft, the demonstration fleet will examine the future of PHEVs as
part of a complete vehicle, home and grid energy system. The fleet is the
result of an ongoing collaboration among Ford, Johnson Controls-Saft, Southern
California Edison (SCE) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
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"This fleet demonstrates a major step forward toward validating plug-in
hybrid vehicle technology," said Mary Ann Wright, who leads the Johnson
Controls-Saft joint venture and is vice president and general manager of
Johnson Controls' hybrid battery business. "PHEVs, which have the ability to
drive an extended range on electric-only power, can significantly reduce
emissions and improve fuel economy."
The 20-vehicle fleet will be tested first in California by SCE and later
by other utilities in the New York/ New Jersey area, to help determine
regional differences in vehicle usage and performance, as well as how PHEVs
will affect the electric grid system and associated infrastructure
requirements. The first unit was delivered to California in December;
additional units will be on the road in June.
The outcome of the fleet will help to continue to address barriers to
commercialization including cost, technology validation, and strategies for
charging the vehicles.
"PHEVs have great promise, but we are still working to fully address all
of the technical and business challenges that stand in the way of
commercialization," said Nancy Gioia, director of Sustainable Mobility
Technologies at Ford Motor Company. "Ultimately such vehicles must provide
real value to consumers, utilities, automakers and suppliers."
PHEVs are part of a family of electric-drive technologies that could play
an important role in achieving national objectives of energy security and
reduced greenhouse gas emissions, while also reducing fuel costs.
The research and analysis of the demonstration fleet will include data
from four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage,
and grid infrastructure. The analysis will also explore possible stationary
and secondary usages for advanced batteries. The combined expertise of the
partners in this project -- Ford, Johnson Controls-Saft, SCE and EPRI -- is
designed to advance a greater understanding of a vehicle, home and grid energy
system.
Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture that has brought together Johnson
Controls -- the world's leading supplier of automotive batteries and a company
deeply experienced in integrated automotive systems solutions -- with Saft, an
advanced energy storage solutions provider with extensive Li-ion battery
expertise.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext : Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture
of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high
performance applications such as industrial infrastructure and processes,
transportation, space and defense. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer of
nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium
batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European
leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defense and space
industries. With approximately 3,800 employees worldwide, Saft is present in
18 countries. Its 18 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable
the group to serve its customers worldwide. For more information, visit Saft
at http://www.saftbatteries.com
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to
the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies,
products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the
relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000
employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our
products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and
one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our
environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and
communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For
additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
About Ford
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn,
Michigan, United States, manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200
markets across six continents. With about 230,000 employees and about 100
plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include
Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial
services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford's
products, please visit http://www.ford.com.
SOURCE Johnson Controls
