Development of VRLA batteries for HONDA ICVS

摘要

We have developed a valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery having superior cost performance and high reliability, in an attempt to used it in an hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). This battery is now used in a very little commuter car with a single seat, which is called the ICVS-stepdeck as part of HONDA ICVS (intelligent community vehicle system). HONDA R&D CO. has been developing and operating experimentally at Twin Ring MOTEGI. We have evaluated this small VRLA battery for HEV use both on a bench test and in a field-test at HONDA R&D. In this paper, we report the representative characteristics of the VRLA battery (12Ah/3HR) developed for HEV use with a result of improvement in battery life. Moreover, we are also testing the battery in HEV running in a practical mode, of which results are included.