Ford, Samsung Researching Next-Gen Battery Tech
Regenerative braking technology could be making its way to more non-hybrid vehicles.
Ford and Samsung are working to design a dual-battery system that combines lithium-ion with lead-acid batteries that will allow Ford to offer regenerative braking in non-hybrid vehicles. The result would not only be greater fuel savings, but reduced the emissions of carbon dioxide.
“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 Ford energy storage strategy and research senior manager Ted Miller.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Ford Fusion Energi Review
The companies are hoping to develop an ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery that could make traditional lead-acid batteries obsolete. In addition, the research is helping advance lithium-ion battery technology currently used in Ford’s electrified vehicles.
“Although still in research, this type of battery could provide a near-term solution for greater reduction of carbon dioxide,” Miller said.
The current ultra-lightweight battery concept offers a weight reduction of up to 40 percent, or 12 lbs.
GALLERY: 2014 Ford Fusion Energi
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Is this just the next natural step to the i-eLoop capacitor system that Mazda already has in their late model vehicles?