Calstart to Test Advanced Military Batteries in Commercial Trucks

Calstart said the U.S. Army has awarded it a contract to test military-configured 12-volt lithium-ion batteries in commercial trucks.

The first-of-its-kind tests are designed to assess if the military batteries can deliver performance and reliability in various geographic areas, according to Calstart, an organization that promotes clean transportation.

“The military has found that lithium batteries last longer, resulting in fewer battery replacements and less need for inventory. If these field tests prove successful, the commercial trucking industry may, in the future, make the switch to lithium starter batteries,” Calstart President John Boesel said in a statement.

“Higher production volumes would result in lower prices, benefiting both the military and commercial sectors,” he said.

Calstart said it will test lithium-ion chemistries from battery companies Navitas Systems LLC, EaglePicher Technologies and Saft.