Ford, Samsung Unveil Next-Generation Battery Projects

Ford Motor Co. and Samsung SDI Co. are researching two new battery systems for non-hybrid vehicles.

One near-term design the result of 10 years of research to date combines a conventional 12-volt lead-acid battery with a lithium-ion battery. Ford says the dual system could enable the addition of fuel-saving regenerative braking in non-hybrid cars fitted with automatic engine start-stop systems.

The regenerative braking systems on Ford's current hybrid vehicles can capture and convert 95% of the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, according to the company. Ford is deploying stop-start systems across 70% of its piston-powered model lineup.

The dual battery would enable both systems to be utilized in vehicles driven by conventional powertrains. The lead-acid section of the battery would be used primarily to start the engine, while the lithium-ion section would accept coast-down energy via the alternator and power the car's electrical accessories when the engine is stopped.

A longer-term second project is to develop an ultra-light lithium-ion battery that could replace the traditional lead-acid battery entirely. Ford estimates such a battery could cut the weight of the engine starter battery 40%, or about 12 lbs.

The company says costs are dropping and reliability improving to help make the swap feasible.