UQM Technologies Motor and Controller Propel Chip Yates' Electric Airplane to Two New Guinness World Records

LONGMONT, CO—October 26, 2013: UQM Technologies, Inc. congratulates Chip Yates on setting two new Guinness World Records for electric-powered airplanes at the Capital Air Show in Sacramento earlier this month. His all-electric plane uses a UQM PowerPhase motor and controller for powerful and efficient fuel-free flight.

“Yates has taken electric-powered transportation to new heights with his latest round of records”

“Yates has taken electric-powered transportation to new heights with his latest round of records,” said Eric R. Ridenour, President and Chief Executive Officer of UQM Technologies, Inc. “Unlike internal-combustion engines, the power output of our electric motor is not affected by altitude, providing steady and consistent power.”

During the air show, Yates set a new Guinness World Record for speed of climb to altitude in an electric airplane, reaching 500 meters (1,640 feet) in just 62.58 seconds from a complete stop. He also set a world record for speed over a one kilometer (0.62 miles) course averaging two passes, one from each direction. Yates piloted the electric aircraft to 220.9 mph on the first pass and 212.9 mph on the second, resulting in a new world record of 216.9 mph.

“We’re extremely excited by all these world records and their implications for potential commercial and military applications of electric vehicle technology,” said Yates. This makes a total of 16 electric vehicle world records achieved by Yates and his team.

UQM Technologies offers a range of production-validated electric motors and controllers in addition to being able to meet the needs of custom, small-volume projects. All UQM systems offer high efficiency with power-dense motors and advanced controllers.