Forsee Power launches thin lithium-ion batteries for commercial vehicles

French-headquartered smart battery systems company Forsee Power has launched its new-generation of extra-thin batteries for 2021. The company claims the new batteries christened Slim, composes the thinnest modular range in the world and will be equipped with a liquid cooling system.

To adapt to the changes in the Group's target markets (buses, non-road vehicles, trains, boats) and to meet the requirements of manufacturers and operators in terms of passenger capacity, cost and performance, Forsee Power says its engineering teams have developed the new-generation of slim batteries with unprecedented technical properties and multiple integration capabilities: on the roof, at the rear or in the floor of vehicles. This product will cater to all electric mobility professionals’ needs, across all applications combined.

The new Forsee Power battery format will be available in ZEN high-energy (overnight charging) and FLEX energy-and-power (opportunity charging) versions, in addition to the already available high-power PULSE 2.5 low-profile module (ultra-fast charging and hydrogen hybridisation).

The batteries will cover a wide range of energies from 5 to 21 kWh, voltages from 50V to 120V and charging current of 106A. This flexible offering – composed of modules of different sizes – will allow systems to be built according to the needs and the space available in the vehicle. The Slim batteries will also have an integrated liquid cooling system to regulate the temperature of the modules housed in the chassis, which will optimise their lifespan and performance. This thermal management system makes it possible to address a wide range of geographic areas with very contrasting climates. The high-energy Zen Slim range will be launched in the first half of 2021.

Forsee Power claims its range of high-energy Zen batteries will be the first to integrate extra-thin formats. The Zen Slim offer, made up of 3 battery models, will carry NMC cells with high-energy capacity and will have an integrated liquid cooling system. These new systems, intended for 100% electric vehicles with high range and night charging, will be launched by June 2021 and will be produced in series from end-2021. UK-based Wrightbus will be the first manufacturer equipped with new generation Slim batteries. As part of the understanding, Forsee Power will supply Wrightbus with its new generation of ‘slim’ batteries, whose extra flat format allows easy integration into the chassis of vehicles (standard or double-decker bus). In addition, many projects are being studied to electrify off-highway vehicles whose market is booming right now.