Hybrid Volvo buses and trucks to use Magna Steyr batteries, A123 cells

It looks like Ford won't be the only company getting lithium ion battery packs from Magna International. The Magna Steyr division of the supplier announced last week that it will begin production of packs at its plant in Graz, Austria next month. The packs will be supplied to Volvo for use in its buses, heavy duty trucks and garbage trucks equipped with hybrid powertrains. Volvo uses a parallel hybrid system for its vehicles.

Magna is using lithium ion cells provided by A123 Systems in a roof-mounted liquid cooled pack. The pack has a capacity of 4.8 kWh with output of 600V. The electric motor in the hybrid system is rated at 94 hp and 295 lb-ft of continuous output. The lithium cells used in this application are A123 type-32113 cylindrical cells. The current version has an output of 3.8 Ah per cell while an upgraded version coming in 2010 will have 4.4-4.6 Ah per cell.

[Source: Magna via GreenCarCongress]

Magna Steyr to launch the serial production of battery systems for Volvo Group

GRAZ, AUSTRIA, July 9, 2009 - Magna Steyr, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., announced that it will produce lithium-ion battery systems for Volvo Group. The battery systems will be integrated into Volvo's city buses, heavy-duty distribution vehicles and refuse trucks. Production of these battery systems will begin in August 2009 at Magna Steyr's facility in Graz, Austria.

These vehicles, which are equipped with parallel hybrid systems, will make an important contribution to the environment. The regenerative braking energy which is lost in conventional bus and truck applications will be used to load the battery system via a generator. This will result in substantial fuel savings, fewer emissions and a quieter drive compared with buses and trucks with conventional powertrains – making them ideal for city driving.

"For years Magna Steyr has been active in the research and development of alternative propulsion systems, especially of electrical energy storage systems," said Dr. Burkhard Göschel, Chief Technical Officer, Magna Vehicles and Powertrain. "This contract is proof that Magna Steyr is a leader in developing and delivering advanced technologies to our customers."

About Magna International
Magna International (www.magna.com) is the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have approximately 70,000 employees in 240 manufacturing operations and 86 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.