COCKEYSVILLE, Md., Jan. 22 (UPI) -- A lithium-ion battery from Saft for military use is being tested for utilization in commercial trucks as starter batteries, the company announced.
The project between Saft and CALSTART, a member organization that works with business, fleets, and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions, will be part of a larger program funded by the U.S. Army.
"As a leader in the research and advancement of Li-ion technology, the CALSTART partnership provides Saft with the unique opportunity to grow market demand of the e6T product line," said Ben Helminen, marketing and strategic planning director for Saft. "We are proud to be an integral part of providing technology that keeps the country's military personnel safe, and we look forward to contributing those advantages to the commercial industry."
Saft's e6T Li-ion battery system features an advanced, lightweight design within the dimensions of a traditional lead-acid battery. It provides power for starting, lights and ignition, as well as for devices critical to safety during silent watch missions. A key feature is CANBus communications that relays information such as state-of-charge, cell voltages, temperatures and battery diagnostics.
The batteries are being supplied to the U.S. Army's Tank and Research Development and Engineering Center. CALSTART will collect data generated from Saft's batteries and from batteries by two other companies during evaluation and testing.
