Fuel Created By Cows Makes Dairy Farm Trucks Run Cleaner

IRVINE, CA--June 20, 2011: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. announced today that it has received a contract in the amount of $434,000 for high capacity natural gas on-board storage tanks from Agility Fuel Systems for use in Class 8 renewable natural gas powered dairy trucks.  

The tanks will be installed on Kenworth T800 Class 8 trucks by Agility for operation by dairy farm operators which will use waste from their cows that generates sustainable methane fuel in an anaerobic digester to create fuel for their trucks.  The switch to Compressed Natural Gas vehicles reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 23% compared to conventional 2010 diesel-powered models.  Also, since CNG engines do not require particulate traps and SCR systems to meet emissions, the cost and maintenance of these systems is eliminated.  In addition, because the fuel is being created by the cows themselves, dairy farm operators will have a substantial operating cost reduction beyond the 30% achieved by typical fleets. 

"We are pleased to partner with Agility to showcase the effective utilization of renewable natural gas (RNG) for sustainable transportation," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, Quantum's President and CEO. "Quantum's polymer-lined ultra-light-weight carbon fiber tanks provide the necessary corrosion-resistance and robustness for this application."

Technical Specifications

Quantum's ultra light weight carbon composite Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) storage system are enabling Class 7 and 8 heavy duty trucks to support typical fleet applications while reducing operating costs in excess of 30% compared to diesel fuel.  Since natural Gas costs at about $2.00/gallon equivalent and gasoline/diesel at $4.00/gallon, fleets can save 30% of the operating costs by just changing their fuel.  Quantum continues to offer the lightest weight tanks in the market which enables heavy duty trucks to carry significantly more fuel on board and operate for long distances without reducing their payload as is required with heavier tanks.

About Quantum

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's wholly owned subsidiary, Schneider Power Inc., and affiliate Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH complement Quantum's emerging renewable energy presence through the development and ownership of wind and solar farms, and manufacture of high efficiency solar modules. Quantum's portfolio of technologies includes electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, natural gas and hydrogen storage and metering systems and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and natural gas vehicles. Quantum's powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, natural gas fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum's customer base includes automotive OEMs, dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.