Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC") (OTC: LTHU), a global provider of large lithium-ion rechargeable power solutions, announced that its battery system was integrated into a four-door demonstration hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) launched today in London. The battery system is the result of collaboration with Zytek, one of the world's leading suppliers of expertise in automotive control systems, powertrain management and HEVs.
LTC subsidiary GAIA Akkumulatorenwerke (GAIA) developed the battery for the vehicle based on the smart forfour (manufactured by DaimlerChrysler), which has an output of 288 V, a capacity of 7.5 Ah (or about 2.2 kWh of energy) and a capability to deliver 25 kW of power. The battery can be charged by either the internal combustion engine (ICE) and by regenerative braking or by household mains (plug-in hybrid). The vehicle has a fuel economy of over 84 mpg and an all-electric range of 20 miles which compares very favorably to the range of HEVs currently on the market.
"This project demonstrates an important step forward in the commercialization of LTC's products and technology in the HEV marketplace," commented Dr. Klaus Brandt, executive vice president of LTC and managing director of GAIA. "We are commited to continuously advancing automotive battery solutions to foster the evolution of the HEV. Lithium-ion batteries are the technology of choice for hybrid and electrical vehicles offering improved performance and cost advantages over conventional technologies, and LTC has proven capability to meet the advanced automotive needs of today and for the future."
Zytek was awarded GBP 1.8 million by the Energy Saving Trust to develop the new HEV. The vehicle utilizes a hybrid power train based on a 1500cc, 3-cylinder turbo charged diesel engine coupled with two high-efficiency permanent-magnet electric motors. This car is part of the "Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge" project that is supported by the Energy Saving Trust.
The vehicle has combined technology developed by LTC, Zytek and I+ME, for an advanced Battery Management System (BMS). The system is equipped with additional safety features to control the charging of the battery from the mains. The BMS has been designed to communicate with the vehicles' energy management system to ensure enhanced efficiency and control.
"The combination of LTC's advanced battery system and Zytek's innovative hybrid drive train, demonstrates a positive step forward in plug in hybrid technology that is simply applied to any OEM platform, as the system is scaleable and transportable," commented Steve Tremble the Zytek's sales and marketing director.
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