New Industry Products

A123Systems Introduces New Series of Automotive Class Lithium-Ion™ Cells

May 17, 2007 by Jeff Shepard

A123Systems Inc. introduced its 32-series cells, specifically designed for Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) use. These batteries are claimed to provide unprecedented specific power, safety and abuse-tolerance and leverage the company’s existing low-cost, high-volume manufacturing techniques to offer the electric drive industry a new level of price-performance. A123Systems’ 32-series lineup is currently comprised of two cells with custom Nanophosphate™ electrode designs, based on the same chemistry as the mass produced ANR26650M1 cell: the 32113 M1Ultra and 32157 M1HD.

The 32113 M1Ultra high power cells are optimized to offer what is said to be industry leading power by volume and cost-per-watt. Designed to meet the rigorous requirements of HEV applications, the 32113 is currently designed into A123Systems’ programs with major U.S. and European auto manufacturers. The 32157 M1HD cell is said to use a higher energy electrode design, geared specifically for PHEVs, and offers greater volumetric energy density and the lowest cost per watt-hour. Currently used in a Saturn Vue PHEV development program, the 32157 is claimed to offer superior calendar and cycle life at high depth-of-discharge (DOD), as well as excellent power density for charge-sustaining operation.

Unlike conventional lithium ion cells that compromise critical parameters to meet system requirements, A123Systems’ Automotive Class Lithium Ion cells are said to be optimized to offer power, safety and life, all at price-performance targets that enable the industry. Wide power availability over a broad range of state-of-charge as well as what is claimed to be exceptional endurance implies that systems with both cells require minimal oversizing, allowing for lower overall systems cost.

"Our 32-series cells provide high performance and abuse-tolerance unmatched by any other lithium ion battery chemistry," said David Vieau, President and CEO, A123Systems. "By making it possible for manufacturers to design HEVs and PHEVs with attractive performance, reliability and safety as well as an overall lower systems cost, we are able to play a significant role in speeding the market’s acceptance of highly fuel efficient vehicles."

Critical to the adoption of lithium ion batteries in automotive applications, the 32-series cells are designed with abuse-tolerance in mind. A123Systems’ Automotive Class Lithium Ion cells take advantage of lessons learned from the mass-production of ANR26650M1 cells in order to deliver 10+ year and 150,000 mile projected life requirements in engineered automotive battery packs.

A123Systems’ Nanophosphate chemistry has been developed with the assistance of the Department of Energy FreedomCAR program and is a result of more than $102 million in private investment. With performance validated by various national labs and leading automotive OEMs, the A123Systems doped Nanophosphate batteries are claimed to achieve the superior durability and safety required for automotive use of lithium ion technology.