Gillig Corporation and Enova Systems Announce Series Hybrid Development Agreement
17 October 2000
Gillig Corporation and Enova Systems Announce Series Hybrid Development Agreement
TORRANCE, Calif.--Oct. 17, 2000--Enova Systems, Torrance, (OTCBB:ENVA), today announced that it has entered into an exclusive agreement to develop a new 240kW series hybrid propulsion system with transit industry leader Gillig Corporation for use in their 40-foot transit buses."This exciting series hybrid development effort with Gillig Corporation is a significant milestone for Enova in light of the recent shift in the transit industry towards the adoption of alternatively powered propulsion systems that improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Enova, with its state of the art hybrid-electric propulsion system technology, is well positioned to deliver systems that meet these new demands," stated Carl Dean Perry, President and CEO of Enova Systems. "We are proud to be partnered with an industry leader like Gillig Corporation on this critical development and market introduction effort."
The new propulsion system is designed to offer a no-compromise alternative to the conventional diesel engine that currently powers Gillig's 40-foot transit buses. A single 240kW AC induction drive motor that develops sufficient torque to meet all of the buses' operating parameters including acceleration, top speed and gradeability will provide motive power, and an on-board generator and a small battery pack will supply power for the electric drive motor.
This configuration allows a much smaller engine to be used to operate the on-board generator for cruising loads, while transient loads such as acceleration are supplied by the battery pack. It is the operation of this smaller engine at constant speeds that provides the significant improvements in emissions and economy, while providing the operator with a vehicle that delivers the performance they require.
The first Gillig bus with the new Enova Systems series hybrid propulsion system is slated to be on the roads for testing and evaluation by the second quarter of 2001.
"Gillig's goal is to offer our customers an alternatively powered transit bus that does not require them to compromise on performance or change the way they operate their vehicle," said Brian Macleod, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Gillig Corporation. "We are confident that the series hybrid drive system we are developing with Enova Systems for our 40-foot transit market will provide the improved economy and emissions our customers are looking for without limiting the reliability or performance they have come to expect."
Enova Systems, with headquarters in Torrance 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 technology and products in power conversion, energy management, and system integration enables Enova Systems to integrate a wide range of power sources, including advanced batteries, fuel cells, and turbine generators, in mobile and stationary power applications. Enova's product lines include the Panther(TM) 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.
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Enova Systems and the success of its products. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in Enova Systems' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.