January 10, 2007—The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) recently awarded A123Systems, developer of nanophosphate-based batteries, contracts to provide three converted plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles (PHEVs).
The NYSERDA PHEV program will evaluate and identify a PHEV-conversion method applicable to the 400-plus New York State-owned hybrid electric vehicles, primarily late-model Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and Ford Escape HEVs.
NYSERDA says that A123Systems and its partner Hymotion have demonstrated the rapid nature of potential fleet integration by delivering the first PHEV conversion, a Toyota Prius, to NYSERDA for approval and testing within 30 days.
The solution uses A123Systems’ automotive-class nanophosphate technology that provides “unprecedented” specific power, safety, and life—all reportedly critical to the optimization and commercialization of PHEVs.
The system, which NYSERDA says exhibits none of the “tell-tale thermal run-away problems” that plague competitive lithium-ion offerings, is expected to get up to 220 miles per gallon and cut carbon dioxide emissions in half.
The A123Systems solution incorporates batteries into a highly advanced, production-ready PHEV module that is lightweight, compact, and requires minimal modification to the stock vehicle, says NYSERDA.
All necessary components and safety features are reportedly integrated and contained within the module, including batteries, power electronics, charger, battery management system, safety sensors, and manual-electric interlock. Due to its plug and play installation, the system does not require removal of the OEM battery pack.
For more information visit A123Systems.
