Magna, Ford partner to introduce zero-emission battery electric vehicle

Aurora, Ont.-based auto parts supplier Magna International, has entered into a vehicle-development partnership with Ford Motor Company to introduce a zero-emission lithium-ion battery electric vehicle (BEV) to be delivered to market in 2011. Magna will be responsible for providing powertrain and battery modules in the vehicle, among other projects.

The vehicle, which Ford announced at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a key vehicle in their electrification strategy, will be a small car with an expected range of up to 100 miles without using a drop of gasoline and without compromising customer performance expectations. The Ford BEV is expected to offer consumers a familiar driving experience – it will operate similar to a conventional vehicle, but with smoother acceleration, less noise and zero emission.

“This vehicle adds an important piece to Ford’s product lineup with a zero-emission vehicle that will be both affordable and meets customers’ needs,” Magna co-CEO Don Walker said. “In addition, the joint partnership demonstrates valuable OEM/supplier collaboration by sharing in the expertise and investment that the auto industry now requires for new advancements in energy independence and reduced CO(2) emissions.”

In addition to providing critical components for the powertrain and battery modules, Magna will also play a key role in the engineering required to integrate the electric propulsion system and other new systems into the vehicle architecture.

Vehicle/technology specifications:
• Small car powered by an electric motor;
• Single-speed transmission;
• Battery pack expected range of up to 100 miles;
• On-board battery charger capable of plugging into a 110- or 220-volt standard outlet;
• Expected 12 hour charge time at 110 volts; 6 hours at 220 volts;
• High-voltage powered HVAC compressor; and
• High-voltage auxiliary heater.

Magna said in a press release that from reducing mass to increasing comfort and forging new paths in customer collaboration, the company’s expertise in design, engineering and manufacturing continues to play a role in the development of next-generation cars and trucks.
www.magna.com