Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. and Enova Systems Announce Their Intentions to Collaborate on All-Electric Commercial Chassis
A Freightliner Commercial Vehicle Production Program for National Fleets is Targeted
Torrance, CA/Gaffney, SC (September 10, 2009) - Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) and Enova Systems (Enova) announced today that they have jointly executed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to enter into an all-electric commercial chassis development program.
The development program includes close collaboration and will involve the engineering and integration of Enova's 120kW and 90kW all-electric drive system technologies into target FCCC chassis platforms, including the MT-45 walk-in van chassis. Freightliner's highest volume MT-45 chassis offers a gross vehicle weight rating between 14,140 and 19,000 lbs. and maximum payloads of 10,000 lbs. The MT-45 chassis is used by a range of customers including UPS and Federal Express.
The strategic agreement consists of four phases that include the development of at least four vehicles and placement into national fleets. Design, engineering, integration, and testing activities will be conducted at the Freightliner Custom Chassis plant in Gaffney, SC and the Enova facility in Torrance, CA.
Robert Harbin, President of the Freightliner Custom Chassis division of DTNA stated that "The technical, economic, and environmental factors driving increased demand for pure electric commercial vehicles are rapidly converging. Our partnership with Enova Systems on this important development program is a clear indication that the market for these vehicles is approaching. We look to Enova to help us achieve our goal of having a profitable, in-plant, EV production program in the near term."
Mike Staran, President and CEO of Enova Systems stated that "Collaboration with FCCC, an OEM with market leading positions with several ideal commercial vehicle platforms, provides us an immediate opportunity to penetrate markets not previously available. Our combined technologies and vehicle expertise will enable us to offer a wide range of flexible EV solutions that will ultimately allow us to gain market share in key segments."
The companies have already begun showcasing their capabilities to potential customers and expect positive results from these initial demonstrations. Many national fleet operators currently served by the two companies have clearly stated their desire to deploy all-electric commercial vehicles in the 2010 timeframe.
Enova Systems is a leading worldwide developer and producer of all-electric and hybrid drive train technologies for commercial vans, trucks and buses. Enova's non invasive systems enable customers to integrate their drive system technology in either new vehicle or retrofit applications.
About Freightliner Custom Chassis
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation manufactures premium chassis for the motorhome, delivery walk-in van, and commercial and school bus markets. FCCC is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), a Daimler company.
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation
552 Hyatt St.
Gaffney, SC 29341
Tel: 864-487-1700
www.Freightlinerchassis.com
==Enova Confirms DOE Award
Applies for $82 Million in Incremental Stimulus Opportunities
TORRANCE, CA, May 13, 2009 - Enova Systems, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: ENA and AIM: ENV and ENVS), a production company in the emerging alternative energy industry and a leading developer of proprietary electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems confirmed today that it will be the supplier to Navistar's IC Bus Division for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Technology Acceleration and Deployment Activity program.
Navistar, with Enova, will develop and deploy 60 plug-in electric hybrid buses to fleets across the nation during the program. Using Enova's electric drive system, IC Bus is the only bus manufacturer that currently offers a plug-in production hybrid school bus. In the proposed project, Enova will work to further develop the plug-in hybrid bus into a vehicle capable of all-electric drive for extended periods. This proposed vehicle will have engine-off driving capability, saving fuel and reducing emissions while traveling on electricity only.
Mike Staran, Enova's President and CEO said, "The DOE award validates Enova's technology as one that is unique and provides a needed solution. I remain convinced that in spite of the economic downturn, the market remains legitimate and is beginning to show signs of opportunity. We consider our capability to be well focused, yet acknowledge that support from channels close to government funding and other government initiatives are critical to realizing success."
In addition to the award from the DOE, Enova has announced that it has recently submitted applications totaling over $82 million for the following:
Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing ("ATVM") Loan Program
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY)
Amount Available: $25 billion
Requested: $13.2 million
Transportation Electrification (DE-FOA-0000028)
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY)
Amount Available: $200 million (Area of Interest 1)
Requesting: $50.3 million
Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (PON-08-010)
STATE GOVERNMENT (CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMISSION)
Amount Available: $176 million
Requesting: $8.5 million
Misc:
Various local government opportunities
Requesting: ~$10 million
Enova's funding applications provide solutions that address the long term clean transportation needs of our community, while at the same time allowing for the ability to implement a viable transportation alternative immediately. Enova's ability to retrofit vehicles with its unique, production-proven technology, allows quick results to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions. Enova will soon release a corporate update. This update, along with our forthcoming quarterly report, will detail activities, customer updates, and other significant initiatives for the company.
enovasystems.com |
