Johnson Controls-saft to Provide Batteries for Chery Hybrids

Chinese auto buyers who are looking for more green vehicles are in for a treat as Chery Automobile is set to launch the A5 ISG sedan. The said vehicle has a gas-electric hybrid powertrain which has low emissions and boasts of exemplary fuel efficiency. The Chinese automaker announced that the hybrid vehicles will be launched during the latter part of this year.

The Auto Channel also reported that Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions will be providing the battery packs for the said hybrid vehicles. The battery packs play a major role in the operation of a hybrid powertrain. Modern design of hybrid powertrains allows the battery pack to power the vehicle alone during low speed and light load operations.

Chery Automobile announced that they have chosen a nickel metal hydride battery for their upcoming hybrid car. This is a rare move as other automakers are favoring the use of lithium-ion battery packs. This is because of the fact that Li-ion battery packs weigh less than Ni-MH batteries while having the ability to store more power than the latter. But safety is a major concern for Li-ion batteries. That is the reason why Chery chose Ni-MH batteries for their hybrid car.

Mary Ann Wright, general manager of Johnson Controls' hybrid battery business, heads the partnership between the two companies. She said that their company is committed to give consumers what they want. "As car sales continue to significantly increase in China, Johnson Controls-Saft is committed to partnering with automakers to develop fuel-efficient vehicles for consumers who want - and need - to make purchasing decisions that are good for the environment," said Wright.

Although Li-ion batteries are considered to be a key to more fuel efficient hybrid vehicles, Johnson Controls is moving in the same direction with respect to developing Ni-MH battery packs. Wright pointed out that they are making their batteries smaller yet more powerful.

"With world-class engineering centers in the United States, Europe and China, we have the technical capability to partner with our customers as consumers around the world increasingly demand energy-efficient, high performance vehicles," enthused Wright.

The partnership between the two companies is also expected to create a huge boost for Johnson Controls. The company said that they would be able to work with the bright young minds in China. The partnership may also pave the way for the development of other automotive technologies which might soon be as indispensable as Dodge body kits.

"This is as much about the successful launch and ability to commercially manufacture this vehicle as it is about the development of an effective engineering team with the technical capabilities to support China's fast growing future needs in the hybrid automotive market," Wright concluded.