Hitachi Ltd. and Johnson Controls Inc. on October 17 announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on several fronts in the field of advanced energy storage. The collaboration agreement between the two companies reflects their long-term vision and commitments to the global advanced energy storage space. The companies will study opportunities for collaboration in the fields of motive and non-motive advanced energy storage including Lithium-ion batteries, exploring potential cooperation across a wide span of initiatives including R&D, procurement, production, marketing, sales and standardization.
"To truly build a successful advanced energy storage industry, it's going to require significant ongoing efforts across the entire spectrum of the business, including everything from research and development through commercialization capabilities," said Alex Molinaroli, president for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "By combining our complementary strengths, Hitachi and Johnson Controls have a great opportunity help shape and lead the development of this emerging industry."
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Johnson Controls is a Fortune 100 company with leadership positions in automotive interiors, building efficiency, and power solutions. Johnson Controls' Power Solutions business is the world's leading supplier of automotive batteries.
Yoshito Tsunoda, president and CEO of Hitachi's Battery Systems Company, said, "The introduction of efficient energy storage is anticipated in various fields in society for sustainable growth of the global economy. Hitachi is focusing its resources to the Social Innovation Business and related key devices, including advanced battery systems." He also commented, "I strongly believe the two companies will succeed in providing advanced, competitive batteries and related services through strong and fruitful collaboration."
In 2000, the Hitachi Group became first in the world to begin mass producing safe, high-performance, long-lasting lithium-ion automotive batteries. Since then, it has produced more than 1.2 million cells, mainly for commercial hybrid buses and trucks, as well as for railway cars and other applications. The lithium-ion batteries being rolled out will serve to further expand the range of applications. Hitachi considers lithium-ion batteries a key component for social infrastructure, such as railways, construction equipment, power storage devices which is the focus of Hitachi's Social Innovation Business. Hitachi will provide customers with optimal solutions in the form of battery systems that also incorporate control devices.
