Eaton To Use CPI Batteries Too

Cleveland-based Eaton Corp. (NYSE: ETN) has selected Compact Power Inc., a United States subsidiary of Korea's LG Chem, to provide batteries for certain future Eaton hybrid electric drive systems.

The announcement was made Thursday during a groundbreaking celebration at CPI's new battery cell manufacturing plant in Holland that was attended by President Barack Obama and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

"The demand for hybrid commercial vehicles will continue to grow globally, and LG Chem and CPI have made important advancements in battery technology and future production capability here in western Michigan," said Dimitri Kazarinoff, vice president and general manager for Eaton's hybrid power systems division. "Additionally, we're proud to be a key player in helping to bring these new technologies and jobs to Michigan."

In building the new plant. CPI will use power management technology from Eaton, including electrical components designed for energy efficiency.

Eaton's hybrid business is located at the company's Vehicle Group headquarters in Kalamazoo County's Charleston Township. Engineering, development and testing of hybrid systems is also done at Eaton locations in Marshall and Southfield.

Eaton hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and two hybrid hydraulic power systems are available or in development on truck models including DAF, Freightliner, Ford, International, Iveco, Kenworth, Mercedes-Benz and Peterbilt and on bus models from BCI, Foton, Heng Tong, JNP, King Long, Shen Long, Solaris, Yutong and Zhongtong. Eaton hybrid power systems have accumulated more than 50 million miles of road-tested service around the world and contributed to the saving of more than 1.5 million gallons of fuel and reducing more than15,000 tons of harmful emissions.

Companies such as FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola Enterprises, PepsiCo and Wal-Mart are using delivery vehicles with Eaton hybrid systems. Work trucks with Eaton hybrid power are also in service at Florida Power and Light and many utility and telecom companies across North America. Benefits of the existing Eaton hybrid systems include fuel savings up to 35 percent, with similar percentages in emission reductions, extended brake life and idle time reductions of up to 87 percent during work site operations.

In addition to being a global leader in the development of hybrid power systems, Eaton has comprehensive facilities, field service and support to advance the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in communities across North America. Eaton has a wide range of expertise in other markets that use free-standing electrical charging, including truck-stop electrification, ports, marinas, recreational vehicles, government, and major public-sector infrastructure.

LG Chem Ltd. is Korea's largest chemical and rechargeable battery maker in terms of both size and performance. The company's chemical business is vertically integrated and manufactures a wide range of products, from petrochemical goods to high-value added plastics. It also extends its chemical expertise into high-tech areas such as rechargeable batteries and the display materials field. More at www.lgchem.com.

Compact Power was formed in 2000. Its mission is to become the supplier of choice for lithium-ion battery technology. More at www.compactpower.com.

Eaton is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

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