Dow to power truck fleet with lithium-ion batteries
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies said Wednesday that it received a contract from Dow Chemical to deliver 100+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) pickup truck fleet vehicles powered by Dow Kokam’s lithium ion battery technology.
Quantum developed the new hybrid drive system "Quantum F-Drive" specifically for the Ford F-150 pickup truck, one of the highest volume selling fleet vehicles in America, it said.
Quantum's research and development group designed the system to meet the demanding truck applications of America's largest fleet operators and to provide a mission-ready solution to meet President Barack Obama's goal of converting the federal government's vehicle fleet to hybrids, electric vehicles and other alternative-fuel vehicles, officials noted.
"Quantum is proud to be partnering with Dow Chemical to launch the PHEV F-150 truck," said Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO of Quantum Technologies. "We are excited and impressed by Dow's progressive thinking, environmental stewardship and willingness to lead."
"Dow is a recognized leader in sustainability, as demonstrated by our 2015 sustainability goals to reduce energy consumption and emissions, as well as in our mission to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress by providing sustainable solutions... like solar shingles and battery components for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles," said Dave Kepler, Dow's chief sustainability officer.
"By converting approximately 5% of our US truck fleet to PHEV battery technology, we are driving the adoption of energy alternatives beyond existing boundaries while we work to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuel for fleet operations,” he added.
F-150 PHEV Technical Specifications
The F-Drive system provides a unique combination of low operating costs through substantially increased fuel efficiency, reliability, low maintenance cost, emission reduction benefits and extended range capability, the companies said.
Ideal for fleet vehicle driving characteristics, the F-150 PHEV has a 35 mile electric-only range, shifting to hybrid electric mode thereafter for a total range of over 400 miles.
Providing the energy and power balance required for demanding fleet applications, the 20 kWh Dow Kokam battery enables delivery of the required vehicle range in addition to speeds of up to 85 miles/hour (mph) and 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 12 seconds.
The F-Drive system, has been integrated in the F-150 truck such that there is no impingement into the cab or cargo bed and maintains full ground clearance.
"Quantum and Dow Kokam are cooperating to bring some of the first PHEV, light-duty fleet vehicles to market that truly meet the performance demands and cost payback requirements of corporate fleets," said Chuck Reardon, commercial vice president of Dow Kokam.
"This is possible because Dow Kokam's advanced battery technology and Quantum's expert vehicle engineering are capable today of delivering the performance necessary to meet the needs of visionary companies like Dow."
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