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Ford Plug-In Hybrids To Arrive In 2010

Ford has announced it is another step closer to production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Ford America, in conjunction with supplier Johnson Controls-Saft, has announced plans to build its first Lithium-ion battery facility in Holland, Michigan.
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Ford has announced it is another step closer to production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Ford America, in conjunction with supplier Johnson Controls-Saft, has announced plans to build its first Lithium-ion battery facility in Holland, Michigan.

The partnership with Johnson Controls-Saft will see an advanced Lithium-ion battery system developed for the company’s first commercial plug-in vehicles, which will be available from 2010. The joint venture allows Ford to embark on the next stage of its electrification strategy.

Under Ford’s plan, the company will introduce a battery-electric version of the Transit Connect commercial van in 2010. A battery-electric passenger car being co-developed with Magna International will follow in 2011, with a plug-in hybrid and other next-generation hybrid vehicles coming in 2012.

“Johnson Controls-Saft is well positioned to become a key manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries for electrified vehicles and we have partnered with them to supply our plug-in electric vehicle coming in 2012, as part of our overall electrification strategy,” said Susan Cischke, group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering for the Ford Motor Company.

With the differing demands on each type of battery system, Ford and Johnson Controls-Saft will develop unique charging and storage methods for the Lithium-ion systems used in the planned battery, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The Michigan State Government will provide tax credits and incentives totaling US$148.5 million (AU$205.7 million) to allow it to complete a US$220 million (AU$304.8 million) upgrade of its Holland, Michigan facility. Once completed the plant will be capable of an initial output of 15 million Lithium-ion cells.

“Battery technology is strategically important to the future of the U.S. automotive industry and the economy at large," President of Power Solutions for Johnson Controls, Alex Molinaroli said.

"Our first U.S. plant will bring about 500 jobs to Michigan, and many additional jobs through suppliers and the businesses these employees will support.

"It is a key element of our broader strategy and commitment to the hybrid vehicle industry in North America.”

Johnson Controls-Saft joins LG Chem-Compact Power Inc., KD Advanced Battery Group LLC and A123Systems Inc. in investing a combined total of US1.7 billion (AU$2.4 billion) in advanced battery production facilities in Michigan. The US state hopes to become the advanced battery technology capital of the world.

The push to bring battery production capability to Michigan is expected to create more than 6,600 jobs in the region.

Hit up the press release following for more details.

Li-ion Battery Plant Investment Boosts Ford’s Electrification Plans

Ford Motor Company is another step closer to putting plug-in hybrid electric vehicles into production with supplier Johnson Controls-Saft’s announcement Tuesday that the battery maker plans to build its first U.S. cell manufacturing facility for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems in Holland, Mich.

Ford recently entered into a partnership with Johnson Controls-Saft to develop an advanced Li-ion battery system to power Ford’s first commercial plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as part of its electrification strategy.

Ford will use Li-ion battery systems to power:

* a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van in 2010

* a BEV passenger car developed jointly with Magna International by 2011

* a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012

Unique Li-ion systems are needed for each type of vehicle, because the drive cycles of BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs have different types of battery storage and usage requirements.

Michigan’s Bid for Battery Dominance

Johnson Controls-Saft, a leading global provider of hybrid battery systems, announced that it will receive a combination of tax credits and incentives from the state of Michigan totaling $148.5 million.

The estimated cost to renovate Johnson Controls-Saft’s Holland, Mich., facility for Li-ion automotive battery production is approximately $220 million. Initial capacity is expected to be 15 million Li-ion cells.

Johnson Controls-Saft is one of four companies investing a total $1.7 billion to launch advanced battery manufacturing facilities in Michigan as part of the state’s strategy to become what Governor Jennifer M. Granholm calls the “advanced battery capital of the world.”

LG Chem-Compact Power Inc., KD Advanced Battery Group LLC and A123Systems Inc. also have announced projects that are expected to contribute to the creation of more than 6,600 new jobs in the Michigan.

Quotes:

“These incentives are an important step to building a domestic advanced battery industry. Johnson Controls-Saft is well positioned to become a key manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries for electrified vehicles and we have partnered with them to supply our plug-in electric vehicle coming in 2012, as part of our overall electrification strategy.”

– Susan Cischke, group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

Ford Motor Company

“Battery technology is strategically important to the future of the U.S. automotive industry and the economy at large. Our first U.S. plant will bring about 500 jobs to Michigan, and many additional jobs through suppliers and the businesses these employees will support. It is a key element of our broader strategy and commitment to the hybrid vehicle industry in North America.”

– Alex Molinaroli, president of Power Solutions for Johnson Controls

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