Ford and Samsung have announced research on different levels of hybrid technology which could one day be produced in high volume on non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.
The result of a 10-year research effort, the dual-battery system combines a lithium-ion battery with a 12-volt lead-acid battery that could enable regenerative braking technology in non-hybrid vehicles for greater fuel savings.
"We are currently expanding our Auto Start-Stop technology across 70 percent of our lineup, and this dual-battery system has the potential to bring even more levels of hybridization to our vehicles for greater energy savings across the board," said Ted Miller, Ford's senior manager of Energy Storage Strategy and Research. "Although still in research, this type of battery could provide a near-term solution for greater reduction of carbon dioxide."
The companies also are researching a longer-term ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery that could render traditional lead-acid batteries obsolete. Ford says the battery offers a weight reduction of up to 40 percent or 12 pounds (5.4 kg). Combining the battery with other weight reduction solutions could lead to additional savings in size and weight of the overall vehicle, as well as increased efficiencies and performance.
