Democratic Delegates Empowered In LA By Exide
17 August 2000
Exide The Real 'Seat of Power'...In Hybrid And Electric BusesLOS ANGELES - While some delegates to the Democratic National Convention here this week are part of the inner power circle, and others are trying to get there, everyone who takes the convention shuttle buses will have plenty of clean power thanks to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) and Exide Corporation. Delegates are shuttling back and forth from the Staples Center to their hotels in electric and hybrid-electric buses supplied by the L.A. DWP and powered by Exide batteries. Exide President Craig Muhlhauser is not sure whether electric or electric- hybrid power will be the answer for American transportation, but he is positive Exide batteries will be a part of either solution. "We are committed to providing global energy-storage solutions for all transportation applications. We are proud Ebus and Advanced Vehicle Systems chose our batteries for their vehicles, and we will continue to develop advanced storage technologies to enable the next generation of electric- powered vehicle technology," Muhlhauser said. The 18 electric buses, built in Los Angeles by Ebus, Inc., are powered by Exide Fulmen Classic batteries. These emission-free vehicles can achieve a top speed of 40 miles-per-hour, and have a range of 60 miles. They can also be charged to 50 percent capacity in one hour, minimizing their time off during busy convention hours. The six hybrid-electric vehicles -- manufactured by Advanced Vehicle Systems, Inc. of Chattanooga, TN -- are powered by natural gas and 24 of Exide's Sonnenschien dryfit traction batteries, and have a range of more than 200 miles. The Sonnenschien dryfit traction battery is maintenance-free and designed for a wide-range of electric vehicle applications. The sealed design prevents acid leakage and terminal corrosion and there is no need to check fluid levels, which is especially important for fleet operations. Also, because of their very low gassing when charging, the dryfit traction batteries can be recharged even in sensitive areas - such as a closed garage. Both types of Exide batteries smaller and lighter than the traditional car battery -- a critical weight consideration in electric-vehicle design. Exide Corporation, headquartered in Reading, PA, with operations in 23 countries, is the world leader in the manufacture of batteries for transportation, telecom, ups, motive and specialty applications.