A123Systems and Hymotion Partner with Google to Convert Fleet of Hybrid Cars into Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

WATERTOWN, Mass.--A123Systems, developer and producer of state-of-the-art Automotive Class Lithium Ion^™ batteries, today announced their partnership with Google in converting the company’s growing fleet of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) into Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). The vehicles are converted via the installation of Hymotion’s Battery Range Extender Module (BREM), powered with A123Systems’s Nanophosphate™ lithium ion batteries.

A123Systems developed its proprietary doped Nanophosphate chemistry with the assistance of the Department of Energy FreedomCar program and has received more than $102 million in private investment. With performance validated by various National Labs and automotive OEMs, A123Systems’ batteries achieve the superior durability and safety required for automotive use of lithium ion technology.

“Our automotive class cells are designed to cost-effectively address the specific requirements of automotive manufacturers today, including power and energy density, durability, and safety, that have hindered the development of market-ready PHEVs in the past,” said David Vieau, president and CEO of A123Systems. “Google’s efforts will accelerate progress in the PHEV market and provides us with another way to demonstrate commitment to the future of transportation, prove the efficiency of our cells, and ultimately speed these vehicles to market.”

The company’s PHEV optimized M1HD technology offers superior calendar and cycle life at high depth-of-discharge, as well as excellent power density for charge-sustaining operation. Additionally, the cells leverage the company’s existing low-cost, high-volume manufacturing techniques to offer the hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle industries a new level of price-performance.