Unique Mobility's Electric Drive System to Begin Catamaran Sea Trials
14 July 2000
GOLDEN, Colo. - Unique Mobility, Inc., a developer of alternative energy
technologies, announced today that it has been selected by Atlantis Yachts
Incorporated of Delta, British Columbia, Canada, to provide an electric drive
system as an option to the boat manufacturer's diesel-powered line of power
catamarans.
Atlantis will install Unique Mobility's brushless permanent magnet motors
in the Manta 5200 Power Catamaran at its boatyard in Delta. Sea trials will be
completed at the end of August. "The electric drive option provided by Unique
Mobility will produce an environmentally clean, quiet, and comfortable ride to
everyone on board," said Luis Dos Santos, President of Atlantis Yachts.
"Atlantis strives to use the latest technology in coordination with the finest
materials to produce a boat that is faster, quieter, very efficient and
environmentally friendly," Mr. Dos Santos added. "Unique's brushless permanent
magnet motors will give us that advantage."
Unique Mobility Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer William G.
Rankin noted that the Company's hybrid electric technology can be applied to
many types of vehicles and is well-suited for boating. "Atlantis Yachts
clearly understand the advantages of hybrid electric drive systems and we are
proud to be selected as their electric drive provider," Mr. Rankin said.
"Power systems in marine applications require the highest level of product
quality, reliability and durability and we welcome the opportunity to apply
our proven traction drive systems in this new market."
The 52-foot Manta is normally powered by twin diesel engines. It achieves
top speeds of 28 knots and cruises at 20 knots. The UQM(R) SR-218N motor and
controller drive system makes it possible to operate the Power Catamaran as a
mild parallel hybrid, where both electric and diesel engines operate in unison
or separately in the vessel. Engineering studies have indicated that the
UQM(R) electric drive option will propel the boat at speeds up to 9 knots. The
UQM(R) drives and the diesel engines are both coupled to the propeller shafts
and can move the vessel independently or as a team. By disengaging the diesel
engines, the efficient electric drives move the boat without noise or
pollution. The result is a fuel-efficient catamaran that is quiet and
environmentally clean. When the diesel power plants are started and both
drives engaged, the UQM(R) drives can then function as generators to charge
the battery pack and run on-board auxiliaries or as motors to assist the
diesel propulsion.
Unique Mobility, Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of power
dense, high efficiency motors, gear assemblies and electronic assemblies for
the automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, medical and industrial markets.
A major emphasis of the Company is in applying its systems to the emerging
hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicle market. The Company's
headquarters and engineering and product development center are located in
Golden, Colorado. Manufacturing facilities are located in Frederick, Colorado
(electric motors and gear assemblies) and St. Charles, Missouri (electronic
assemblies and wire harnesses). For more information on the Company,visit its
worldwide website at http://www.uqm.com.
Atlantis Yachts Incorporated is a privately-held, Delta, British Columbia
based manufacturer of economical and efficient displacement hull yachts of
enduring beauty and quality. For more information on the Company and the
Manta 5200 Power Catamaran, visit its worldwide website at
http://www.atlantisyachts.com or phone 604-585-8590.