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MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH, a manufacturer of diesel engines and complete propulsion systems and a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce, says it has formed a development partnership with Darmstadt-based Akasol GmbH.

Akasol is a subsidiary of Schulz Group and a leading manufacturer of lithium ion (Li-ion) battery systems for high performance applications. The partnership is aimed at developing and delivering battery systems for MTU's hybrid and e-drive propulsion systems for marine, rail and industrial applications.

According to Akasol, with the help of its battery systems, MTU aims to extend its current product range with hybrid propulsion systems for mobile applications in the marine, heavy duty ground vehicles and rail sector.

Lothar Holder, Executive Managing Director of Akasol, remarked: "I am very pleased that with MTU we have found an expert partner and one of the world's most important manufacturers of propulsion systems. This partnership gives us completely new opportunities to further the development of high-performance lithium-ion battery systems. For us, this is a quantum leap."

Christos Ramnialis, Executive Vice President of sales, service and network at MTU Friedrichshafen, said: "Since our companies already cooperate together for several years, we are very pleased and looking forward to a closer cooperation between MTU Friedrichshafen and Akasol. Energy storage for hybrid propulsions of off-highway applications enlarges our system expertise to another fundamental component for the future. Together with our partner we are able to perform as a supplier for complete systems."