UQM Technologies Drive New Hybrid Electric Transit Buses
FREDERICK, Colo., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UQM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Amex: UQM), a developer of alternative energy technologies, announced today that two low-floor, hybrid electric transit buses manufactured by Hybrid Bus Technologies, LLC, Denver, Colorado, that are fueled by clean burning natural gas, have been delivered to Los Angeles International Airport ("LAX") and will be placed in service to transport passengers within the airport. The hybrid electric transit buses are each powered by two 100kW UQM(R) propulsion systems and a 100kW UQM(R) generator. The hybrid electric transit buses are an updated design of the 45-foot, low floor bus that has been transporting 63,500 passengers daily across the 1.3-mile long 16th Street pedestrian mall in Denver since 2000.
Los Angeles World Airports ("LAWA"), which owns and operates a world-class system of four airports: LAX, Ontario International, Palmdale Regional, and Van Nuys, is a world leader in the deployment of environmentally friendly transportation systems for airports including an alternative-fuel vehicle fleet totaling over 400 vehicles representing 50 percent of the airport's entire 800 vehicle fleet. LAX also operates natural gas fueling stations to service its large alternative fuels vehicles. LAX recently opened one of the nations first compressed-hydrogen fueling stations to showcase the storage and dispensing of compressed-hydrogen fuel in a retail-friendly environment.
The hybrid electric transit buses are powered by a compressed natural gas fueled 2.5 liter Ford industrial engine that operates at 2,000 r.p.m. to generate electricity and power the bus. The electric propulsion system features regenerative braking, a process in which kinetic energy is converted to electric energy through the braking process and this electric energy is used to recharge the battery pack. Each 45-foot transit bus features a low floor design with no interior steps that makes it easier for passengers to step on and off the bus and can transport over 100 passengers.
"We are pleased that LAX, a leader in the deployment of alternatively fueled vehicles, will be placing our hybrid electric transit buses in service. Our ability to upgrade to a UQM(R) propulsion system and generator for the motive power needs of the vehicle has improved both vehicle performance and fuel economy", said Jay Schneiders, President of Hybrid Bus Technologies, LLC.
"We are extremely pleased that Hybrid Bus Technologies LLC has chosen UQM(R) propulsion systems and generators to power its transit buses for LAX", said William G. Rankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of UQM Technologies, Inc. "The potential deployment of additional vehicles powered by UQM(R) hardware at LAX and other North American transit system operators is a significant opportunity for our Company."
UQM Technologies, Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of power dense, high efficiency electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, aerospace, medical, military and industrial markets. A major emphasis of the Company is developing products for the alternative energy technologies sector including propulsion systems for electric, hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, 42-volt under-the-hood power accessories and other vehicle auxiliaries and distributed power generation applications. The Company's headquarters, engineering and product development center, and motor manufacturing operation are located in Frederick, Colorado. For more information on the Company, please visit its worldwide website at http://www.uqm.com.
Historical Information
Note to Readers: The press releases, presentations and printed remarks and materials are included on this web site for historical purposes only. The information contained in these documents should be considered accurate only as of the date of the relevant document. This information may change over time. Visitors to this web site should not assume that the information contained in these documents remains accurate at a later time. We do not have any current intention, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to supplement, update or revise any of the information in these documents.