About 120 work trucks, to be used by various utilities and electric companies, will use plug-in hybrid power systems by Odyne Systems, using Johnson Controls’ batteries.

Johnson Controls has announced that it will supply lithium-ion batteries for large plug-in hybrid trucks as part of a DOE electrification initiative. About 120 work trucks, to be used by various utilities and electric companies, will use plug-in hybrid power systems by Odyne Systems, using Johnson Controls’ batteries.

Odyne, in conjunction with the Electric Power Research Institute and the South Coast Air Quality Management District of California, has been selected to participate in a $45 million dollar DOE grant.

Wisconsin-based Odyne began work on an earlier DOE-supported project in 2009, and delivered five vehicles to customers in March. Odyne’s power system allows workers to operate truck-mounted equipment with the engine off. The company claims its hybrid trucks can save up to 50% in fuel costs over diesel or gasoline engines.

The lithium-ion batteries for these trucks will be made at Johnson Controls’ manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan.

“Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery technology is helping large fleets reduce fuel consumption, operating costs and emissions,” said Johnson VP David DeGraaf. “Johnson Controls remains committed to building a domestic industry for manufacturing advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. This supply contract is one more step towards accelerating commercialization of these advanced automotive power technologies.”

Source: Johnson Controls