A123 Lithium Ion Battery to Go Into Hybrid Buses

A123Systems, developer and producer of state-of-the-art Automotive Class Lithium Ion(TM) batteries, announced that starting in early 2008, BAE Systems will be offering A123Systems’ lithium ion battery technology as part of its HybriDrive® propulsion system.

BAE Systems’ HybriDrive propulsion system is available on the DaimlerChrysler Orion VII hybrid transit bus. The system is in use in three of the four largest hybrid bus fleets in the world. The next-generation HybriDrive system featuring A123Systems batteries will be available for commercial buses beginning in 2008.

A123Systems is designing and building turnkey energy storage systems (ESS) specifically for BAE Systems. Built on A123Systems’ Nanophosphate(TM) chemistry, these packs comprise a power boost component which provides higher specific power, lighter weight and smaller overall volume than the existing battery packs, resulting in a more robust ESS that further reduces emissions in heavy-duty applications. The company’s batteries are significantly smaller and lighter than the previous generation ESS technology typically used in this market and are designed to withstand the heavy duty environments typical of an urban bus drive cycle.

“Our Nanophosphate cells offer a marked performance improvement in power, calendar and cycle life over other battery technologies available today and address the durability and safety required for automotive use,” said David Vieau, president and CEO of A123Systems. “Being selected by the #1 selling heavy duty hybrid propulsion system manufacturer in this fast-growing market is further validation that our battery packs are helping bring hybrid vehicles into the mainstream.”

A123Systems’ Nanophosphate chemistry has been developed with the assistance of the Department of Energy Freedom Car program and is a result of more than $102 million in private investment. With performance validated by various National Labs and automakers, the A123Systems doped Nanophosphate batteries achieve the superior durability and safety required for automotive use of lithium ion technology.