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Ecostar Electric Powertrain and Power Conversion Systems Introduces Their 42V DC/DC Converter

24 October 2000

Ecostar Electric Powertrain and Power Conversion Systems Introduces Their 42V DC/DC Converter

    DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 24 Ecostar Electric Powertrain and
Power Conversion Systems introduced their high efficiency, 500 watt bi-
directional 14V/42V DC/DC converter at the Convergence Transportation
Electronics Association (CTEA) Convergence 2000 Show in Detroit.  The
converter is an integral part of the Advanced Power System (APS) that is being
developed by Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI).  The Ecostar bi-directional DC/DC
converter provides load balancing between the 14v and 42v sides of dual-
voltage systems.  Features of the DC/DC converter include a compact design,
high efficiency, designed-in over/under voltage protection and low cost.
    The system was demonstrated by JCI in a Jeep Grand Cherokee at the
Convergence 2000 show.  "We are very pleased with the performance of the
Ecostar unit," says Michael Iverson, JCI Program Manager.  "This is another
example of where Ecostar is leveraging off of our core competence in power
electronics to support industry leading companies such as JCI," says Ross
Witschonke, President and CEO of Ecostar.
    Ecostar is the world's leading supplier of complete powertrain systems for
electric vehicles.  Their products drive some of the world's most advanced
battery and fuel cell vehicles.  Ecostar is also a world leader in the design
and development of power conversion systems for stationary power applications.
    Ecostar was formed in 1998 and is part of the Fuel Cell Alliance formed
between Ford Motor Company, DaimlerChrysler and Ballard Power Systems.
Ecostar is the primary development center for the Alliance's power electronics
and electric powertrains.  Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Ecostar also
has offices in Germany and Canada.