SB LiMotive, the joint
venture of Samsung SDI and Bosch, has been chosen by
Chrysler Group to supply the lithium-ion battery packs
for the Fiat 500EV (electric vehicle), which is expected
to be launched in the U.S. market in 2012.
The Fiat 500EV, which
hopes to demonstrate the benefits of the Chrysler and
Fiat alliance, will be an environmentally friendly,
clean, and quiet vehicle for the U.S. subcompact
passenger car market.
The Fiat 500EV
powertrain is comprised of three main systems: high
power electric powertrain module, advanced lithium-ion
battery and an EV control unit to manage power flows.
All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will
take place at Chrysler Group headquarters in Auburn
Hills, Mich. Vehicle pricing and other specifics will be
announced closer to the Fiat 500EV launch.
SB LiMotive was
established in September 2008 by Bosch and Samsung SDI.
It bundles the know-how of both its parent companies.
Samsung SDI brings its extensive large-scale production
experience into the partnership as well as manufacturing
competence in the area of lithium-ion cell production.
Additionally Samsung is an innovation and development
leader in lithium-ion technology for use in a wide range
of applications, including laptops, cell phones and
power tools. Bosch contributes its comprehensive
automotive systems competence which is being applied to
integrating the lithium-ion technology into the vehicle.
Bosch has extensive experience in hybrid and electric
drive technology as well as power electronics, electric
motors, transmissions and DC/DC converters.
According to Dr.
Joachim Fetzer, Executive Vice President of SB LiMotive,
“Chrysler indicated that SB LiMotive earned this
business because we can supply high-quality lithium-ion
battery packs in the quantities needed, on-time to the
market. Additionally, SB LiMotive has the technical
expertise Chrysler will require as it launches this
important program. Our established global footprint was
a further strong point in our favor. We look forward to
partnering with Chrysler in bringing this exciting new
vehicle to market.” The battery packs are being
developed in Orion, Michigan; the battery cells will be
produced in Korea; and the battery packs will be
assembled in Springboro, Ohio.
In an effort to
intensify the benefits of the alliance between Chrysler
and Fiat Group in electrification of powertrain, Fiat
500EV hopes to be an outstanding example. The Fiat 500
is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating
electric-vehicle technology. Chrysler is the vehicle
electrification center of competence for both Chrysler
Group and the Fiat Group.
