Greentech Lead Australia: UQM Technologies, a
manufacturer of power-dense electric motors, generators and power electronic
controllers for the automotive, announced EV Engineering has selected UQM’s
PowerPhase Select 145 electric propulsion system to power its fleet of
Australian-built EV Commodore electric vehicles.
The Australia-based EV Engineering project is converting
a fleet of Holden Commodore passenger cars to proof-of-concept fully-electric
vehicles by June 2012, to demonstrate the technical viability and
attractiveness to customers of a full-size electric car.
“We’re pleased to work with UQM as we demonstrate the
viability of large, comfortable electric cars in Australia. The PowerPhase
motors from UQM have proven to be durable and reliable while delivering the
power required for a full-sized electric vehicle,” said Ian McCleave, chief
executive officer, EV Engineering.
The EV Commodore electric vehicle project is led by EV
Engineering, a venture between Australian automotive suppliers: Air
International, Bosch, Continental and Futuris; along with industrial company
GE, and electric car infrastructure provider, Better Place.
EV Engineering anticipates that the vehicle-test program
could yield higher volume orders.
“Our PowerPhase 145 that will power the EV Commodore
proof-of-concept cars is a powerful, compact and highly efficient turn-key
electric propulsion system. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow
globally,” said Eric Ridenour, UQM Technologies president
and chief executive officer.
Recently, UQM PowerPhase products deployed
in the marine industry helped the Goldfish eFUSION boat win the Powerboat of
the Year Innovation Award at the Dusseldorf Boat Show.
editor@greentechlead.com