Fiat Panda Hybrid Fuel Cell/Battery Powered Unveiled

Customized Lithium Ion batteries Quallion and the Fiat Research Centre (FRC) have unveiled today in California the Fiat Panda Hybrid Fuel Cell/Battery, after the vehicle’s debut in May in Rio de Janeiro. Fiat partnered with Quallion to develop a Lithium Ion battery pack that maximizes Panda's energy storage and management capacity and improves the vehicle's safety.

The pack employs proprietary Matrix and HAM technologies.  Quallion's MATRIX technology increases a Lithium Ion battery's reliability and long-term costs.  This system is a high power model with a large current output capability.

MATRIX technology is currently used in numerous military vehicles as a main application for auxiliary power. The technology is also employed as a starter battery for unmanned vehicles, HEV/PHEV and aircraft.  Quallion's HAM technology (Heat Absorbent Material) provides structural strength and electrical insulation to battery operations.

"Quallion is focused on delivering technologies that reduce vehicle emissions and improve vehicle energy management and safety," stated Quallion President, Paul Beach. "Working with Fiat on the Panda hybrid prototype Quallion has created a battery that will significantly impact future hybrid vehicle engineering.  Quallion's Matrix and HAM technologies maximize the vehicle's energy storage capacity while significantly increasing the vehicle's safety."

According to Quallion, the Panda Hybrid Fuel Cell/Battery powered vehicle showcases the following innovative technologies:

• An innovative line cathode (air compressor) specially designed and produced by the Fiat Research Centre
• The Lithium Ion battery pack, developed and manufactured by Quallion implementing its Matrix and HAM technologies
• The new stack fuel cell design developed and manufactured by Nuvera