Johnson Controls to supply Li-ion batteries to power hybrid trucks as part of Department of Energy program award

MILWAUKEE, June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, the world's leading manufacturer of automotive batteries, will supply Lithium-ion batteries to power large plug-in hybrid trucks as part of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) electrification initiative.

About 120 work trucks, to be used by publicly owned utilities and municipal electric companies, will utilize advanced plug-in hybrid power systems by Odyne Systems, LLC, using Johnson Controls' batteries. Odyne, in conjunction with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District of California, has been selected to participate in a $45 million dollar DOE grant.

"Johnson Controls Lithium-ion battery technology is helping large fleets reduce fuel consumption, operating costs and emissions," said David DeGraaf, vice president and general manager, Americas Original Equipment Group, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.

Depending on use, Odyne's hybrid power system can enable large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50 percent compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines.

The Lithium-ion batteries for these trucks will be made at Johnson Controls' advanced manufacturing facility in Holland, Mich. The plant made history as the first in the United States to manufacture Lithium-ion cells and complete hybrid battery systems for automobiles.

"Johnson Controls remains committed to building a domestic industry for manufacturing advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles," said DeGraaf. "This supply contract is one more step towards accelerating commercialization of these advanced automotive power technologies."

To learn more about Johnson Controls' Lithium-ion battery technology, please visit:
http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/content/us/en/products/power_solutions/products/lithium-ion_technology1.html

About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 168,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions
Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for Start-Stop, hybrid and electric vehicles.  Our 50 manufacturing, recycling and distribution centers supply more than one-third of the world's lead-acid batteries to major automakers and aftermarket retailers.  Through our innovations we are building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles.  We were the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass-production hybrid vehicles.  Our commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.   

About Odyne Systems, LLC
Odyne is a leader in hybrid drive systems for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Odyne's advanced plug-in hybrid technology enables trucks over 14,000 pounds to have substantially lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, improved performance, quieter job site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has produced more plug-in hybrid systems for large trucks than any other supplier in the U.S.  The company sells its unique modular hybrid system for new and retrofit applications direct to truck manufacturers and through a global distribution and service network. The name Odyne represents the combination of "O" for Optimal and "dyne" for power or force.  Odyne's hybrid system for medium- and heavy-duty trucks represents the best hybrid power solution for large trucks. For further information, visit us at www.odyne.com and follow us on Twitter @Odyne.

SOURCE Johnson Controls

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