Eaton and LG Chem team up on batteries

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - Eaton Corporation has selected Compact Power Inc., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of LG Chem, to provide batteries for certain future Eaton hybrid electric drive systems.

The announcement was made Thursday during a groundbreaking celebration at LG Chem's new battery cell manufacturing plant in Holland. President Barack Obama and Gov. Jennifer Granholm attended the event.

LG Chem, Ltd. is Korea's largest chemical and rechargeable battery maker in terms of both size and performance.

Eaton's hybrid business is located at the company's Vehicle Group headquarters in Charleston Township. Engineering, development and testing of hybrid systems is also done at Eaton facilities in Marshall and Southfield.

"The demand for hybrid commercial vehicles will continue to grow globally, and LG Chem and CPI have made important advancements in battery technology and future production capability here in western Michigan. This technology is a key part of Eaton's strategy to meet the future demand of our customers worldwide," Dimitri Kazarinoff, vice president and general manager for Eaton's Hybrid Power Systems Division said in a news release. "Additionally, we're proud to be a key player in helping to bring these new technologies and jobs to Michigan."

In construction of the new manufacturing facility, CPI will utilize power management technology from Eaton, including electrical components designed for energy efficiency. Eaton says it offers the world's most complete lineup of hybrid power systems for commercial vehicle applications.

Eaton hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and two hybrid hydraulic power systems are available or in development on various truck and bus models.

Officials say Eaton hybrid power systems have accumulated more than 50 million miles of road-tested service around the world and contributed to the saving of more than 1.5 million gallons of fuel and reducing more than 15,000 tons of harmful emissions.

Companies such as FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola Enterprises, PepsiCo and Walmart are using delivery vehicles with Eaton hybrid systems. Work trucks with Eaton hybrid power are also in service at Florida Power and Light, and many utility and telecom companies across North America.

Benefits of the existing Eaton hybrid systems include fuel savings up to 35 percent, with similar percentages in emission reductions, extended brake life and idle time reductions of up to 87 percent during work site operations.

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