Johnson Controls is a supplier of automotive batteries. Saft is an advanced energy storage solutions provider with li-ion battery expertise.

Mary Ann Wright, leader of the Johnson Controls-Saft JV and Vice President and General Manager Hybrid Systems for Johnson Controls, says the partnership between Ford and Johnson Controls-Saft indicates that the US is positioned to be a leader in the development of hybrid and EVs.

"Ford and Johnson Controls are two long-standing US companies committed to re-building our domestic manufacturing base and to ongoing investment in critical technology for the US," she says.

PHEVs can store more electrical energy than today's hybrids, allowing the vehicle to operate on electric-only power more often and for longer distances with an estimated fuel economy improvement of 60% to 100%. The battery will power the car on full electric for 40 miles and can be recharged through a standard 120 V electrical outlet.

The battery packs are to be designed and manufactured by Johnson Controls-Saft and assembled in the US. The cells will initially be produced in Nersac, France.