A123 Systems (Nasdaq:AONE), a developer and manufacturer of advanced Nanophosphate® lithium iron phosphate batteries and systems, today introduced the Military 6T Battery, a robust battery system engineered specifically to meet the demanding requirements of military vehicle applications. A123's new solution is designed as a direct replacement for 6T lead acid batteries currently deployed in military vehicles, delivering a longer-lasting, lighter-weight system for engine start and enabling longer-duration silent watch functionality. A123 will showcase its Military 6T Battery and its other government and military solutions in booth #911 during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Winter Symposium, February 22-24, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
"There are nearly 800,000 6T batteries currently deployed in U.S. military vehicles, and in 2010 alone, the military purchased about 300,000 6T batteries. Virtually all of these are lead acid, so we believe this creates a significant opportunity for our lighter-weight, longer-lasting, higher-performance lithium iron phosphate Military 6T Battery," said Les Alexander, general manager for the Government Solutions Group at A123. "Our new solution has successfully demonstrated the ability to start a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), and we have begun delivering 6T systems to a number of defense contractors so they can evaluate its performance as a first step toward potential high-volume production. We believe we can leverage our expertise in developing industry-leading products for commercial markets as well as our vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities to deliver systems that will complement the DoD's strategy for deploying more energy-efficient technologies."
Based on A123's proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium iron phosphate technology, the Military 6T Battery leverages the systems engineering and manufacturing design utilized to produce A123's 12V Engine Start Battery, which is currently offered to commercial automakers. The Military 6T Battery is offered in both a 12V and 24V model to accommodate specific vehicle requirements. Standard features and benefits of each of A123's 6T battery models include:
- Longer Cycle and Calendar Life—A123's Military 6T Battery systems are designed to perform significantly more depth of discharge cycles compared to other battery technologies. A123's lithium iron phosphate military batteries also deliver superior calendar life, lasting significantly longer than the most advanced lead acid batteries. This reduces battery replacement costs, enables vehicles to operate for longer periods of time and reduces life-cycle cost.
- Greater Charge Acceptance Rate—A123's lithium ion technology is capable of rapid charging, and it also delivers more power when the engine is off to facilitate longer-duration silent watch capabilities.
- Reduced Weight—A123's Military 6T Battery is about 50 percent lighter than lead acid battery systems, offering significant weight savings for transport to the battlefield. This improves fuel economy and packing efficiency of the transport vehicle which allows for fewer trips into hostile areas.
- Intelligent Battery Management System—In addition to lithium iron phosphate cells, A123's Military 6T Batteries are equipped with robust battery management electronics that help balance and safeguard the cells, in addition to providing built-in system level safety features for under/over voltage cutoff, overcharge and over-temperature protection. The battery management system also communicates diagnostics, state-of-charge information and current and voltage measurements during silent watch, maximizing the performance of the Military 6T Battery when operating communications, surveillance and other equipment while the vehicle's engine is not running.
Pricing and Availability
The 6T-12 and 6T-24 versions of A123's advanced lithium iron phosphate military battery solution are available now, and pricing is available upon request. For more information, visit A123's booth (#911) at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Winter Symposium (February 22-24, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), visit A123's Government Energy Storage Solutions Web site or contact the Government Solutions Group.
