BAE Systems unveils new lithium-ion battery

BAE Systems will begin offering an advanced lithium-ion energy storage unit with its next-generation HybriDrive propulsion system for hybrid electric buses beginning in 2008. BAE Systems' new lithium-ion energy storage system is lighter in weight than energy storage systems currently in production, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The lithium-ion energy storage system is also fault-tolerant — designed to keep operating even if individual battery cells fail. The new battery features Nanophosphate lithium-ion chemistry developed by A123Systems of Watertown, Mass. BAE Systems' HybriDrive propulsion system is available on DaimlerChrysler Orion VII hybrid transit bus and is currently in service in major cities across North America, logging 65,000 miles a day.