Saft to supply Li-ion energy storage for US Army's GCV program

The vehicle must meet the Army's rigorous requirements for a highly survivable platform that can adapt to an evolving operational environment.

Comprised of ultra-high-power, highvoltage VL 5U cells, the Li-ion energy storage system will support the vehicle's hybrid electric drive system when it is not relying on traditional carbon-based fuels. An example of an operation that would utilize this technology would be silent watch missions. In addition, the system will provide thermal management and act as a high-power traction motor battery.

Saft is honored to be chosen by BAE Systems as the battery supplier for the technology development phase of the U.S. Army's GCV program, said Frank Rosenthal, General Manager of Saft's Space and Defense Division in Cockeysville, MD. This gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in designing and building high-power, low-weight batteries that meet the demands of modern, sophisticated military vehicles.

The technology development phase of the GCV program is a 24-month program aimed at completing preliminary design reviews in order to begin building prototype systems for the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the program.