Allentown, PA, November 10, 2008 — International Battery, Inc. (IB) has been awarded $2.4 million by the Defense Dept to demonstrate the improved efficiency and environmental advantages of lithium batteries vs. traditional lead batteries in military use.
IB, a worldwide producer of high-capacity, large-format rechargeable battery systems, was awarded the funding for the Lithium Ion Battery Exchange Program in the Fiscal Year 2009 Continuing Appropriations Act (HR 2638) as part of the U.S. Army’s Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDTE) Combat Vehicle and Automotive Advanced Technology Program. The Lithium Ion Battery Exchange Program is designed to demonstrate the increased capability of the Lithium Ion 6TLi Battery as opposed to the current lead acid battery in Army Theaters of Operations. The 6TLi Battery Exchange Program will provide added capability of four times the energy, half the weight, a significantly longer life and enhanced combat readiness as compared to the current lead acid battery systems. The 6TLi battery has been engineered to the same dimensions of the current lead acid battery, allowing soldiers in the field to perform seamless exchanges.
The battery provides an environmentally safe alternative to the hazardous material such as lead or acid currently found in military battery systems. By implementing this advanced battery technology, the U.S. Army can lower its major disposal charges associated with lead acid battery systems. IB will help the Department of Defense demonstrate the financial benefits of exchanging lead acid for lithium ion battery systems as well as support the war fighter with increased energy and power for multiple military applications.
“This project for International Battery represents the kind of next-generation thinking and technology we need both for our military and for our domestic energy solutions,” said Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15), who represents the Lehigh Valley in Congress. “I’m proud to see this kind of technology for its assistance to our troops, environmental advantages, and for the fact it’s being developed here in our community.”