"Johnson Controls-Saft is committed to the commercialization of hybrid and electric vehicles," said Ray Shemanski, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture and is Vice President and General Manager of Hybrid Systems for Johnson Controls. "We are proud to be chosen for the BEV and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with both Azure and Ford Motor Company to advance these leading-edge technologies. This partnership is underscored by our investment of more than $600 million in manufacturing and infrastructure development."
Commercial transportation in an urban environment accounts for 12 percent of total miles driven, yet is responsible for 25 percent of total greenhouse emissions. The Transit Connect BEV would eliminate gas costs and enable fleet owners to more accurately forecast the cost of doing business. It has a targeted range of 80 miles on all-electric power, and is the first of four electric vehicles Ford plans to build in its global commercial vehicle program.
"We’ve worked with Johnson Controls-Saft on our Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric delivery and shuttle bus project, and are confident that their batteries offer a light, powerful design with a longer life than most current battery technologies," said Curt Huston, Azure Dynamics Chief Operating Officer. "Both Azure and Ford have existing relationships with Johnson Controls-Saft, bringing further synergies to the project."
In addition to its work with Azure, Johnson Controls-Saft is in production with the Mercedes S-Class hybrid, currently on sale in Europe and the United States. Johnson Controls-Saft also will supply the Li-ion hybrid batteries for the BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid available in 2010 and Ford’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle available in 2012. The Transit Connect BEV will use the same battery technology that is currently installed in the Ford Escape test fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, also supplied by Johnson Controls-Saft.
The Johnson Controls-Saft battery systems, including electronics, electrical and mechanical components, will be assembled at the company’s facility in Holland, MI. Azure Dynamics has not announced the manufacturing location for the Transit Connect BEV.
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD), a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for the commercial vehicle industry, announced that Johnson Controls-Saft has been chosen as battery supplier for Azure’s Force Drive(TM) integration on the Ford Transit Connect Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). Johnson Controls-Saft will supply its advanced lithium-ion technology for the battery electric Transit Connect van for North American distribution beginning in late 2010.
"Commercial fleets endure the harshest drive cycles imaginable and are under constant cost and performance pressure," said Curt Huston, Azure Dynamics Chief Operating Officer. "The Johnson Controls-Saft technology mated to our established Force Drive(TM) is a robust system fully capable of meeting on-the-road challenges while reducing operating costs and producing zero tailpipe emissions."
The Transit Connect BEV is the first of four electric vehicles to be built on Ford’s global vehicle platform. Utilizing Force Drive(TM) with lithium-ion battery packs, the Transit Connect BEV has a targeted range of 80 miles minimum on a full charge. Force Drive(TM) components have over 25 million miles of on-the-road experience.
"Johnson Controls-Saft is committed to the commercialization of hybrid and electric vehicles," said Ray Shemanski, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture and is Vice President and General Manager of Hybrid Systems for Johnson Controls. "We are proud to be chosen for the BEV and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with both Azure and Ford Motor Company to advance these leading-edge technologies. This partnership is underscored by our investment of more than $600 million in manufacturing and infrastructure development."
As a result of increased attention from the government and the private sector, the electric and hybrid electric commercial vehicle market sector continues to garner both headlines and market share. Increasingly, fleet operators are seeking smaller, more efficient vehicles that lower operating costs yet are capable of achieving demanding performance characteristics. To meet the growing demand, Azure’s Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric delivery and shuttle bus product, which will also utilize a Johnson Controls-Saft battery pack, has received enthusiastic acceptance from companies like FedEx Express, Purolator Couriers, AT&T and others. The new Transit Connect BEV is an important evolution of the Azure product line and its relationship with Ford.
The Johnson Controls-Saft supplied lithium-ion batteries offer a light, powerful design with a longer life than most current battery technologies. Both Azure and Ford have existing relationships with Johnson Controls-Saft bringing further synergies to the project. The Transit Connect BEV will use the same battery technology that is currently deployed in the Ford Escape plug-in demonstration fleet.
Unlike private vehicle owners who can simply stop driving when fuel prices soar, commercial vehicle fleets are a business’s lifeline and need to keep rolling regardless of external pressures. The Transit Connect BEV would eliminate gas costs and enable fleet owners to more accurately forecast the cost of doing business. Commercial fleet adopters of the Transit Connect BEV will help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil while also providing a valuable service for the environment and on-going sustainability.
With a unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity, accessibility and low purchase and operating costs, the Transit Connect is already a proven global success. It was also the perfect candidate to lead Ford’s electrification effort.
"Delivery companies and utility fleets are expected to pace the demand for the Force Drive(TM) equipped Transit Connect," said Huston. "The size, flexibility and performance characteristics of the Transit Connect have already made it a hit on the U.S. market. The battery electric option will only add to its popularity."
The Johnson Controls-Saft battery systems, including electronics, electrical and mechanical components will be assembled at the company’s facility in Holland, MI. Azure Dynamics has not announced the manufacturing location for the Transit Connect BEV.
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with various partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.
Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture that has brought together Johnson Controls — the world’s leading supplier of automotive batteries and a company deeply experienced in integrated automotive systems solutions — with Saft, a world leader in advanced technology batteries for industry with extensive Li-ion battery expertise.
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defense. Saft is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defense and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market. For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com
Johnson Controls is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 130,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.
