Ecostar Teams With Enova Systems
26 July 2000
Enova Systems to Provide Powertrain Components for Ford Motor Company's TH!NK City
TORRANCE, Calif. - Enova Systems (OTCBB:ECAR), confirmed that it will provide powertrain components to Ecostar Electric Drive Systems for the TH!NK city electric vehicle when it is redesigned and launched for global markets in 2001.Ecostar was formed in 1998 and is part of the fuel-cell alliance between Ford Motor Company, Ballard Power Systems and Daimler-Chrysler. The TH!NK city, which is the latest vehicle from Ford Motor Company's environmental mobility brand, will be available in North America, Europe and Japan.
"Ecostar's goal was to create an electric system for TH!NK city that would integrate electronic functions, improve performance and quality, and reduce overall cost. We are confident that the electric drive systems we are developing with Enova Systems for the TH!NK city vehicle will provide improved performance and function for the growing electric vehicle customer base," said Ross Witschonke, President of Ecostar.
Enova Systems has been working closely with Ecostar in the development and production of the power train for the TH!NK city. Enova Systems has been contracted to develop and manufacture the Traction Inverter Module, charger unit and the DC/DC converter. Ecostar chose Enova Systems for this project due to their technical expertise and the performance of Enova Systems Panther drive systems. The TH!NK powertrain components are based on Enova's Panther drive systems and will be manufactured to meet QS-9000 requirements.
"This supplier teaming arrangement with Ecostar for the TH!NK city vehicle is a major milestone in the growth and future of our Company," stated Carl Dean Perry, President and CEO of Enova Systems. "We are proud to be a part of this development and manufacturing program with Ecostar, and feel that this program will be a significant source of future revenue. This latest program with Ecostar, combined with our alliance with the Hyundai Group of Korea will solidify our position in the EV, HEV and fuel cell markets."
Enova Systems, with headquarters in Torrance, Calif. and offices in Hawaii and Korea, is a leading designer, developer, and manufacturer of electric, hybrid-electric, and fuel cell propulsion systems and components for the global vehicle market. The Company's proven technology and products in power conversion, energy management, and system integration gives Enova Systems a cutting edge in integrating a wide range of power sources including advanced batteries, fuel cells, and turbine generators in mobile and stationary applications. Product lines include the Panther propulsion systems ranging from 30kW to 120kW, accessory power supplies for electric power steering and air-conditioning, DC-DC supplies for low voltage accessories, and battery management products. Enova's propulsion systems and components are used in OEM vehicles from Hyundai Motor Company and are supplied to Ecostar for use in the Ford TH!NK city vehicle. Enova is also developing a new all-electric tram system for the U.S. Department of Transportation for use at Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii.