Johnson Controls Launches High-Technology Laboratory to Create Lithium-ion Batteries for Future Hybrid Vehicles

World's Top Producer of Automotive Batteries - Drives Technology to Create Tomorrow's HEV Battery Solutions

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 28 -- Johnson Controls today launched an advanced lithium-ion battery development laboratory in Milwaukee, to create advanced power-storage solutions for near-future, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). The facility -- located at the company's Battery Technology Center -- features a "dry room" and an array of highly specialized tools and equipment for designing, developing and testing power-storage and power-management concepts based on lithium-ion technology.

The new laboratory facility and development equipment were installed at a cost of approximately $4 million.

Johnson Controls, the world's largest manufacturer of automotive original equipment and aftermarket batteries, has been at the forefront of research and development activities to create enhanced batteries for future-generation HEVs. The company operates battery technology centers in the United States and Europe.

For more than a decade, Johnson Controls has supplied nickel-metal-hydride batteries for hybrid-vehicle applications in Europe. The company believes lithium ion technology is likely to replace nickel-metal-hydride as the battery technology of choice in hybrid-electric and electric vehicles in the future.

"We continue to develop our technological capabilities for creating the power-storage solutions of tomorrow, approaches that will be innovative, cost- efficient and environmentally friendly," said Gregg Sherrill, group vice president and general manager - Battery for the Automotive Group of Johnson Controls.

The global market for HEVs has increased steadily during the past year, fueling demand for enhanced power-storage and power-management technologies for such cars and trucks.

According to industry projections, sales of HEVs in the U.S. and European automotive markets could reach 6 million units within a decade. HEV sales currently account for about 0.5 percent of total world vehicle production.

At this time, most HEVs rely on nickel-metal-hydride batteries. Lithium- ion batteries have significant potential for near-future HEV applications, because they have the capability of offering major advantages in power- generation, size, weight, cycle life and cost.

The new laboratory in Milwaukee supports Johnson Controls' plan to create and sustain a global "center of excellence" for lithium-ion battery development. Current company research and development efforts on lithium-ion technology focus on cathode materials, new cell designs for better thermal management, modular designs that enable the integration of safety technologies, and cell balancing to ensure safe operation as well as extended performance and cycling.

"We believe that lithium-ion batteries will be the wave of the future, and we're excited to be a leading organization in helping to drive this battery technology forward," said Sherrill.

In 2004, the company was granted a contract for lithium-ion battery development by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC). In this program, Johnson Controls has been tapped to develop an abuse-tolerant, lithium-ion battery offering extended life and significantly improved power- to-weight performance vs. current hybrid-battery technology. The USABC, which includes the U.S. Department of Energy, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors as members, supports research and development for advanced energy systems to power future HEVs.

Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non- residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.