DETROIT, MI --- Current mild-hybrid vehicle projects, in partnership with Ford and Hyundai/Kia, that utilize an advanced 48V lead-carbon battery, look set to play an important role in meetingUS fuel efficiency standards ahead of their target introductory date in 2021 and reduce CO2 emissions by 15-20%, according to the latest data from the Advanced Lead Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC).
This week the ALABC exhibition stand at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (June 14-17 in Detroit) is presenting these impressive results of its demonstration vehicle program.
The T-Hybrid (based on a Kia Optima) and the ADEPT (based on a Ford Focus) both utilize an advanced 48V lead-carbon battery system with bolt-on electrical components that allow for significant engine-downsizing without loss in performance. This engine downsizing means less fuel usage and subsequently much lower CO2 emissions compared to the base vehicle – including a 16% reduction in the Kia Optima.
A previous ALABC demonstration vehicle (the LC SuperHybrid based on a 1.4 liter VW Passat) fitted with advanced lead carbon batteries, has already provided the basis for a revolutionary propulsion system that can achieve 44.2 MPG and a 15-20% reduction in CO2 emissions while increasing the performance to that of a larger engine size model – all at a minimal cost to the manufacturer.
As like all lead batteries, advanced lead batteries have excellent sustainability credentials and are recycled in a closed loop, with 99% of them being collected and recycled in Europe and North America. Furthermore, advanced lead batteries are significantly cheaper than alternative automotive battery technologies, providing an affordable cost-to-benefit ratio – one that can allow car manufacturers to seamlessly incorporate the systems into future models.
According to Allan Cooper, who has been coordinating ALABC’s demonstration projects, these 48V demonstration vehicles also address some of the issues with making low-emission hybrid vehicles appealing to the general consumer.
For more info, visit http://www.alabc.org