Panasonic, a developer and manufacturer of electronic products, has entered into an agreement with Ford Motor to deliver lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells. The cells will be used by Ford Motor for its four new hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
Ford Fusion Hybrid Electric/Fusion Energi
Ford Fusion and C-Max hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) and C-Max Energi and Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles are the upcoming models. Battery cells are supplied in cell stack arrangement to enhance efficiency and reliability of transportation.
The demand for rechargeable battery products is anticipated to increase in the automotive sector due to rising oil prices and growing environmental concerns. Panasonic focuses on establishing its battery business to address this demand. The company is delivering nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery cells and technologies for hybrid EVs to a large number of automakers across the world. In addition, Panasonic supplies lithium-ion battery cells and solutions for EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Since 2004, SANYO Electric, a division of Panasonic, has been delivering Ni-MH batteries for the Ford Escape vehicles. Additionally, the company's battery cells have been used to power the Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion hybrid vehicles. The new Li-ion battery supply alliance is an extension of the relationship between Ford Motor and Panasonic.
The company continues to develop and commercialize high performance rechargeable battery systems for manufacturing eco-friendly vehicles and also focuses on further expansion of its rechargeable battery business worldwide. Thus, Panasonic contributes to minimizing the carbon footprint of global automotive activities.