Superior battery power that lasts
1 September 2013Onboard batteries for combat vehicles are becoming more sustainable with the creation of Saft’s lithium-ion (Li-ion) e6T battery system, which has been developed for engine starting, and powering electronic systems, turret drives and silent watch duties.
Onboard batteries for combat vehicles are becoming more sustainable with the creation of Saft's lithium-ion (Li-ion) e6T battery system, which has been developed for engine starting, and powering electronic systems, turret drives and silent watch duties.
Saft has built on its long experience of delivering Li-ion battery systems for defence applications with the creation of the e6T - a robust, reliable, lightweight, fast-charging and maintenance-free alternative to the US military's standard 6T lead-acid battery system. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which can suffer premature failures in the field when subjected to deep discharges or non-optimised charging, the e6T is engineered to withstand at least 1,000 deep discharge cycles. In addition to its long life of at least 2,000 cycles - around five times more than the equivalent lead-acid battery - the e6T's built-in electronics take care of the battery's safety and management functions, including fast charging, allowing modern-day armed forces to focus on operations rather than battery maintenance.
The 28V e6T is designed as a direct 'drop-in' replacement for lead-acid 6T batteries and comes complete with all the necessary vehicle interfaces. The Li-ion's construction, however, weighs in at just 22kg (49lb) compared with the average 41kg (90lb) lead-acid battery. Since one e6T has the capability to displace two lead-acid batteries, this weight advantage becomes even greater, not only in terms of operational performance, but also ease of maintenance, storage and transportation.
Saft offers the e6T in a number of versions to meet specific energy and power requirements. The e6T battery delivers up to 10,000W/kg and 100Wh/kg, while a high-energy version, typically aimed at silent watch applications, can offer 180Wh/kg.
Thanks to its superior performance, longer lifecycle, lighter weight and maintenance-free operation, the e6T outflanks
lead-acid batteries on all fronts.