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Hybrid Vehicle Technology Fact Sheet

Johnson Controls is continually developing new and innovative technologies that provide automotive manufacturers with the most advanced energy systems available. We are committed to supplying the premium battery systems required to power the hybrid vehicles of today and creating energy storage technology for the electric vehicles of tomorrow.

There are several different types of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) on the road today, including the micro, mild and full hybrid, which are available for purchase now. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is being developed, but is not yet available to consumers. Here is an overview of the types of hybrid technology on the road or being tested today:

Micro Hybrid

  • Provides engine stop-and-start capability, in which the engine shuts down at idle to save fuel.
  • 5 percent to 8 percent fuel savings over conventional vehicles.
  • The BMW 1 series and the smart fortwo are examples of a micro hybrid available in Europe today.
Mild Hybrid

  • Provides engine start-stop functionality; uses the electric motor to assist the gas engine when extra power is needed, allowing for engine and usage optimization.
  • 12 percent to 20 percent fuel economy improvement.
  • The GM Saturn Vue is an example of a mild hybrid.
Full Hybrid

  • Provides the same functions as a mild hybrid, but utilizes a larger battery and motor to allow for better optimization of the gas engine.
  • Operates at low speeds on electric power alone which greatly increases fuel efficiency in heavy traffic. 
  • 25 percent to 40 percent fuel economy improvement.
  • The Ford Escape hybrid is an example of a full hybrid.
Plug-in Hybrids

  • Essentially performs the same functions as full hybrids, but features more electrical energy storage, allowing the vehicle to operate on electric-only power more often and for longer distances.
  • Ability to recharge the battery through a standard 120V electrical outlet.
  • 60 percent to 100 percent fuel economy improvement.
  • The benefits of PHEVs are still being evaluated as vehicles are developed by automotive companies and suppliers around the world. Johnson Controls-Saft is a partner with Ford Motor Company, the Southern California Edison electric utility, and the Electric Power Research Institute to evaluate PHEV versions of the popular Ford Escape. In 2008 Johnson Controls-Saft also received an $8.2 million contract from The United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, to develop lithium-ion battery systems PHEVs. The two-year contract will continue to validate commercialization of mass market PHEVs. Johnson Conrols-Saft also continues to work with SAIC and Daimler on PHEV demonstration fleets.
Electric Vehicle

  • No internal combustion engine.
  • Ability to recharge the battery through a standard 120V electric outlet.
  • 100 percent fuel economy improvement.
  • There are no electric vehicles in production at this time.
Fuel Cells

  • No internal combustion engine.
  • Ability to recharge the battery through a standard 120V electric outlet.
  • 100 percent fuel economy improvement.
  • There are no electric vehicles in production at this time.
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