The partnership is part of a larger program, funded by the US Army, in which CALSTART and participants will evaluate and test 12V Li-ion military format batteries as starter batteries. (Earlier post.) CALSTART will be collecting the data generated from Saft and two additional battery suppliers (Navitas, earlier post and EaglePicher Technologies) during the evaluation and testing. Delivery of the batteries is underway.

The basic 28V e6T battery is designed as an auxiliary power source for military vehicles. The 69 Ah battery comprises VLP (nickel cobalt aluminum, NCA) Li-ion cells in a 3p7s configuration.

Compared to lead-acid batteries, Saft’s Li-ion technology enables increased lifecycle, depth of charge and faster recharges, resulting in greater fuel and cost savings.

The company is one of three battery suppliers chosen for this testing and will deliver the 12V batteries as well as integration services for assessing the technology’s use in commercial trucks. The agreement also includes delivery of 24V e6T power supplies to TARDEC, the US Army’s Tank and Research Development and Engineering Center.

The Saft e6T Li-ion battery system features an advanced, lightweight design within the dimensions of a traditional lead-acid battery, enabling easy installation into the vehicle. The system provides power for starting, lights and ignition, as well as devices critical to safety during silent watch missions. Li-ion technology enables soldiers to safely recharge electronics, such as a night sight or GPS, while the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, the 12V and 24V power supplies feature CANBus communications that relay vital information, including state-of-charge, cell voltages, temperatures and battery diagnostics.