Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC") (OTC: LTHU), a global provider of
large lithium-ion rechargeable power solutions, announced that its battery
system was integrated into a four-door demonstration hybrid electric vehicle
(HEV) launched today in London. The battery system is the result of
collaboration with Zytek, one of the world’s leading suppliers of expertise in
automotive control systems, powertrain management and HEVs.
LTC subsidiary GAIA Akkumulatorenwerke (GAIA) developed the battery for the
vehicle based on the smart forfour (manufactured by DaimlerChrysler), which has
an output of 288 V, a capacity of 7.5 Ah (or about 2.2 kWh of energy) and a
capability to deliver 25 kW of power. The battery can be charged by either the
internal combustion engine (ICE) and by regenerative braking or by household
mains (plug-in hybrid). The vehicle has a fuel economy of over 84 mpg and an
all-electric range of 20 miles which compares very favorably to the range of
HEVs currently on the market.
“This project demonstrates an important step forward in the commercialization
of LTC’s products and technology in the HEV marketplace,” commented Dr. Klaus
Brandt, executive vice president of LTC and managing director of GAIA. “We are
commited to continuously advancing automotive battery solutions to foster the
evolution of the HEV. Lithium-ion batteries are the technology of choice for
hybrid and electrical vehicles offering improved performance and cost advantages
over conventional technologies, and LTC has proven capability to meet the
advanced automotive needs of today and for the future.”
Zytek was awarded £1.8 million by the Energy Saving Trust to develop the new
HEV. The vehicle utilizes a hybrid power train based on a 1500cc, 3-cylinder
turbo charged diesel engine coupled with two high-efficiency permanent-magnet
electric motors. This car is part of the “Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge”
project that is supported by the Energy Saving Trust.
The vehicle has combined technology developed by LTC, Zytek and I+ME, for an
advanced Battery Management System (BMS). The system is equipped with additional
safety features to control the charging of the battery from the mains. The BMS
has been designed to communicate with the vehicles’ energy management system to
ensure enhanced efficiency and control.
“The combination of LTC’s advanced battery system and Zytek’s innovative
hybrid drive train, demonstrates a positive step forward in plug in hybrid
technology that is simply applied to any OEM platform, as the system is
scaleable and transportable,” commented Steve Tremble the Zytek’s sales and
marketing director.
About Lithium Technology Corporation: Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) is
a global provider of large format rechargeable power solutions for diverse
applications, and offers the largest lithium-ion cells with the highest power of
any standard commercial lithium ion cell produced in the western hemisphere.
With more than 30 years of experience, LTC leverages its extensive expertise in
high power and large battery assemblies to commercialize advanced lithium
batteries as a new power source in the military and national security systems,
transportation and stationary power markets.
LTC manufactures the GAIA® product line of large, high power hermetically
sealed rechargeable lithium-ion cells and batteries. The Company's product
portfolio includes large cells and batteries from 10 times the capacity of a
standard laptop computer battery to 100,000 times greater. LTC manufactures a
variety of standard cells that are assembled into custom large batteries
complete with electronics (battery management systems) and electronics to
communicate with other components of the system for performance monitoring.
LTC headquarters are located in Plymouth Meeting, PA and R&D in
Nordhausen, Germany. LTC sales for the U.S. and European markets are managed out
of each of the offices. For more information about LTC, its technology and
products, please visit http://www.lithiumtech.com.
About Zytek Systems: Zytek is at the forefront of automotive technology,
being active in the fields of electronic control systems, high performance
engines, concept electric and hybrid vehicles and electro/mechanical services.
Projects range from the development of systems for show cars and engineering
prototypes, to design and validation of critical sections of production
programs. The Zytek group also has the capability to manufacture control systems
and electric drivetrains in low volumes, simplifying customers' development and
field trial times with reliable hardware and software.
In motorsport, Zytek designs and manufactures engines, engine management
systems and chassis, including bespoke commissions for individual clients.
Substantial design and development capability is supported with resources to
manufacture in sufficient volume for a major global race series. Installation
and wiring expertise ensures fast, efficient integration with systems from other
suppliers. Zytek's race heritage has bred a culture that delivers exceptional
results for customers - race and road alike. Further information about Zytek is
available at http://www.zytekgroup.co.uk.
About the Energy Saving Trust: The Energy Saving Trust was set up by the UK
Government after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and is one of the UK's
leading organizations addressing the damaging affects of climate change. It aims
to cut carbon dioxide emissions by promoting the sustainable and efficient use
of energy. The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organization funded by
government and the private sector.
The Energy Saving Trust's transport unit is working on behalf of governments
to improve the quality of our environment. Funded mainly by the Department for
Transport, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government, it works in
partnership with the transport industry, corporate fleet sector and the public
sector to help make the UK a cleaner and healthier place to live and work. For
more information please visit http://www.est.org.uk/fleet.
