Johnson Controls Power Solutions and Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation have partnered to deliver low-voltage lithium-ion solutions to meet automaker demands for improved efficiency, lower costs and less complexity.

Under the agreement, Johnson Controls will collaborate with Toshiba to develop and manufacture lithium-ion batteries at its Holland, MI, plant and pair them with existing lead-acid battery technology as part of dual-battery systems.

Dual-battery vehicles are expected to be the fastest-growing form of electrification and by 2025 will account for approximately 20% of new vehicles built globally, according to IHS Markit. Adoption rates will be even greater in locations with strict fuel economy standards.

Because paired systems require minimal powertrain alterations, automakers can deploy them across multiple vehicle lines with a lower investment than other electrified powertrains. Paired systems achieve up to 8% greater fuel efficiency than a conventional system.

Low-voltage dual-battery technology is the next step in the evolution of vehicle systems that helps to strike a balance between consumer demands, increasing regulations and automaker economics.

—Brian Cooke, group vice president, Products, Power Solutions, Johnson Controls

Our SCiB is distinguished by its excellent characteristics and the use of a lithium-titanium anode to deliver safety, a long life, low-temperature performance, rapid charging, high input and output power, and a large effective capacity. It is also a good match with lead-acid batteries, and we are sure our joint work with Johnson Controls will greatly benefit automakers around the globe facing efficiency challenges.

—Fujio Takahashi, general manager of Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation

The Holland, MI, plant opened in 2010 and was first in the United States to produce complete lithium-ion battery cells and systems. The two companies plan to collaborate on future technology development and exploration of additional applications in which Toshiba technology can be integrated.