Twitter headlines« Leeds Researchers Working on More Energy-Efficient Steam Reforming Process for Hydrogen from Waste Materials | Main | Honda to Begin Sales of CR-Z and Fit Hybrids in Japan in 2010 »
Ener1 to Provide Lithium-Ion Packs for Volvo Cars V70 PHEV Demonstration
13 July 2009
Volvo Car Corporation has selected lithium-ion battery systems designed and produced by Ener1, Inc. to power a pair of plug-in diesel-electric hybrid (PHEV) V70 demonstration cars being put through their paces across Europe this fall as part of a development program leading up to the planned 2012 commercial launch of a production plug-in model.
The PHEV demo project is a joint venture between Volvo and Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest electric utility companies and a leading proponent of electric vehicle infrastructure build-out. (Earlier post.)
The V70 PHEVs can run up to 31 miles (50 kilometers) on a single charge using only battery electric power. The cars will combine a front-wheel drive diesel engine with a rear-wheel drive electric motor, powered by an 11.3 kWh Li-ion battery pack, of which 8 kWh is usable. The car will support both residential charging (approx. five hours) as well as a 32A fast charge.
The battery packs, produced by Ener1’s manufacturing arm EnerDel, were custom built for this test program. EnerDel leveraged the technology they had developed for the Think platform, enhancing the cell design for improved power capability. The project was embarked upon last summer, and the battery packs successfully delivered on schedule in February 2009.
The diesel engine will eventually run on biodiesel as well as standard blends.
The cars will be used to gather information and experience about the driving habits and performance expectations of everyday motorists using the new technology, as well as their actual charging needs. Vattenfall will test different concepts for high-speed home charging, as well as charging stations in public places, where owners pay to fuel with electricity instead of liquid fossil fuels.
The partnership between Volvo and Vattenfall began in January, 2007, and has been advancing on a fast track. With the current project, both companies say cooperation is now being taken to the next level. The goal is to produce plug-in hybrid vehicles and introducing them on the market as early as 2012.
July 13, 2009 in Batteries, Plug-ins | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: Brett A | July 13, 2009 at 07:52 AM
71% SOC utilisation means they are a lot more confident of the longevity of their chosen battery chemistry than GM, who are sticking with a very conservative 50%.
Posted by: clett | July 13, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Clett,
How did you get to 71% SOC if I may ask?
Posted by: Brett A | July 13, 2009 at 08:10 AM
Brett,
8/11.3 =~71%
Of course, the number of cycles will likely be reduced.
Posted by: Will S | July 13, 2009 at 10:24 AM
The Ener1 batteries seem to be more robust than other equivalent units and could be better suited for more demanding apllications.
This may be the ideal opportunity to prove it.
Higher cost is still a challenge to be solved.
Posted by: HarveyD | July 13, 2009 at 10:49 AM
It should be noted that Volvo uses these EnerDel batts for a DEMONSTRATOR, so there is no worry they can get sued if after 500 or 1,000 charges capacity falls 20% or more. On the other hand GM uses lower % of SOC for a production model of Volt.
Volvo might not have had much choice, most PHEV battery makers are likely to had sold their production for the next several years. A123 is better funded, and probably have better batteries than EnerDel but may not have spare capacity for Volvo.
The % of useable SOC doesn't say much without knowing energy density, one can compensate another, keeping the same useable battery capacity and the size of battery pack.
There is a possible problem with this layout (FWD with ICE, RWD electric only, AWD using both). On a slippery road the car may react very differently when gas pedal is pressed hard in an emergency, and driver is not aware in what mode he's in at the moment (instant reaction is required).
Posted by: MG | July 13, 2009 at 05:08 PM
You can't treat the various lithium battery chemistries as though they were the same, or make assumptions that cycling to a greater average discharge depth will reduce cycle life in reference to a competitor.
Here are the specs for the Enerdel battery:
http://enerdel.com/content/view/38/59/
you will see that the lithium manganese technology they have chosen has the advantage of great longevity, at a cost of somewhat lower energy density.
LG, who are providing the batteries for the Volt, not 123, also use Lithium Manganese:
http://www.compactpower.com/lithium.shtml
However, even within Manganese Lithium batteries it may be that the LG battery is not so tolerant of deep discharge as that which EnerDel is using.
It is though also possible that GM is just being very conservative in their specifications as they came badly unstuck with NiMH batteries.
Posted by: Davemart | July 15, 2009 at 04:13 AM
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341c4fbe53ef011571fc33a1970b
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Ener1 to Provide Lithium-Ion Packs for Volvo Cars V70 PHEV Demonstration :
If any company is good for a stamp of safety approval- Volvo is the one. Way to go Ener1! They seem to have the momentum over A123.