Ford in advanced lead battery research with CBI to drive down auto emissions

by John Shepherd
CBI's Dr Alistair Davidson (left) and Ford’s Dr Eckhard Karden with advanced lead batteries undergoing driving cycle simulations in Ford’s lab. Photo: CBI
Ford and leading European institutions are backing a research initiative using advanced lead batteries to achieve lower carbon emissions in the transportation sector, including hybrid vehicles.

The research programme into dynamic charge acceptance (DCA) and high-temperature durability in advanced lead batteries is being managed by the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI).

CBI’s global director, Dr Alistair Davidson, said research into DCA – the ability of a battery to capture instantaneous energy such as through regenerative braking – can help battery manufacturers improve the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of hybrid vehicles.

"Regenerative braking using advanced lead batteries is key to achieving lower carbon emissions from cars and other vehicles,” Davidson said.

Test cells

"The EU has a world-leading lead battery manufacturing capability and we have brokered this research collaboration with some of the most respected technical institutions in Europe to create advanced batteries that support a low carbon future.”

European research partners include Ford Research and Innovation Center, based in Aachen, Germany, the Technische Universität Berlin, lead battery manufacturer Moll and the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC – with its R&D; Center for Electromobility Bavaria.

The 18-month project will focus on a range of experiments on lead battery test cells, which are small laboratory versions of full-size batteries, the CBI said. "The project will provide a thorough exploration of cell practices by exploring additive effects on DCA and high-temperature durability.”

Ford’s technical specialist Dr Eckhard Karden said: "Car battery technology requires constant innovation and the work we’re doing at Ford will ensure that we use the most advanced lead batteries in our vehicles, ones that support the transition to a low carbon economy in hybrid vehicles.”