Bergstrom Inc. and Johnson Controls-Saft develop lithium-ion battery for NITE® no-idle systems

As a battery-powered, no-idling system, the CARB-approved NITE units are able to generate high BTU cooling capacity without sending damaging emissions into the environment. This helps drivers reduce emissions, comply with increasingly stringent anti-idling laws, and save money on fuel. With its reduced weight and longer run times, the Li-Ion battery will make the NITE units even more sustainable. “As anti-idling restrictions continue to evolve, demand on batteries keeps growing,” said Bill Gordon, director of global marketing and national director of aftermarket for Bergstrom. “This advanced battery technology offers fleets and owner-operators who live on the road a highly efficient, reliable and green no-idle solution. It’s truly the next generation of batteries for the NITE system.”

Lithium is the technology of choice for use in batteries because it has the highest electrochemical potential. Its light weight and high energy power densities make it ideal for the commercial vehicle industry, where size and run times are critical factors in successful no-idle systems. “Johnson Controls-Saft is excited to leverage our proven lithium-ion battery expertise into a new application in the mature commercial truck market,” said Ray Shemanski, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture. “Furthermore, this solution supports our efforts to reduce fuel consumption and green house gas emissions, providing a reliable, energy-efficient solution for the trucking industry.” The Li-ion battery module will be available in late 2010 as an option for all NITE no-idle systems. It will carry a five-year warranty.