LTC Powers European HEV Project

As a result of a collaboration with Zytek of the U.K, a battery system from Lithium Technology Corp. (LTC) has been integrated into a four-door demonstration hybrid electric vehicle launched in London. LTC subsidiary GAIA developed the battery based on the smart forfour by DaimlerChrysler which has 288V output, 7.5Ah capacity and the capability to deliver 25kW. The battery can be charged by the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking or by household mains as a plug-in hybrid. Zytek received £1.8 million from the Energy Saving Trust to develop the new HEV, which provides 84mpg and a 20-mile all-electric range. It uses a hybrid powertrain based on a 1500cc, three-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine coupled with two high-efficiency permanent-magnet electric motors. Technology developed by LTC, Zytek and I+ ME enables the battery management system to communicate with the vehicle's energy management system to ensure efficiency.