Though deep in financial mire, Chrysler is focusing on a greener future and has announced that it has signed an agreement stating that A123Systems will supply nanophosphate lithium-ion prismatic cells and develop battery modules and packs for the first range of its range extended and battery only electric vehicles.
A123Systems will manufacture cells, modules and battery packs for Chrysler after applying for a $1.84billion direct loan from the US Department of Energy’s ATVMIP programme to support new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities in the USA.
At the heart of the ENVI battery system is a scalable battery module with five vehicles from Chrysler – the Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep Wrangler EV, Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler 200C and Chrysler Town & Country EV – all showcasing the technology at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.
Chrysler believes that its approach reduces development time, investment and overall battery system cost as it combines both the economics of high volume component sharing without sacrificing battery pack flexibility.
The companies have worked together through USCAR for more than three years in a bid to improve the technology for automotive applications. A123Systems was also one of the providers under consideration to supply cells for the Chevrolet Volt although General Motors ultimately awarded the initial contract to LG Chem and CPI.
