A producer of advanced lithium ion batteries and energy storage systems, A123 Systems has signed an agreement with Geely, a Chinese automotive manufacturer, to develop lithium ion (Li-ion) battery packs for Geely’s new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The battery packs will be produced by Shanghai-based Advanced Traction Battery Systems (ATBS), a joint venture of A123 Systems and SAIC Motor. A123 Systems will deliver 20Ah prismatic pouch cells to ATBS to produce the Li-ion battery packs. The new PHEV from Geely is anticipated to be introduced in China in the year 2014.
Geely’s portfolio includes over 30 different auto models and the company has manufactured over 430,000 vehicles in 2011. The 20Ah prismatic cells from A123 Systems deliver a higher usable energy, extended life and increased safety, which enable the Chinese automaker to optimize its design efficiency as well as increase the vehicle range.
Jason Forcier, VP of A123 Systems’ Automotive Solutions Group, noted that the rapidly growing automotive market in China offers a great opportunity for their battery technology. He also added that the agreement further validates its advanced nanophosphate battery technology as a cost-effective solution and the engineering expertise of ATBS.
Mr. You Yi, VP of Zhejiang Geely Automobile Research Institute stated that their ongoing research and development initiatives mainly focus on the development of several new electric vehicles. Geely believes that A123 Systems’ advanced nanophosphate battery technology is ideal for their new electric vehicle, as it meets the safety and performance requirements for vehicle electrification, concluded You Yi.
Source: http://www.a123systems.com/