Greentech Lead America: UQM Technologies, a developer of high-efficiency electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, commercial truck, bus, marine and military markets, has signed a long-term supply agreement with Electric Vehicles International (EVI) extending the vehicle electrification work that the companies have done together.
Under this agreement, EVI will use UQM PowerPhase HD systems to power their all-electric walk-in vans and medium-duty commercial trucks. The PowerPhase HD systems were developed for the demanding needs of heavier commercial vehicles.
According to Eric R. Ridenour, president and chief executive officer of UQM Technologies, the PowerPhase HD systems offer commercial vehicle manufacturers a range of solutions for building battery electric and parallel hybrid vehicles.
The UQM PowerPhase HD electric motors and controllers will be used to power EVI medium-duty trucks and all-electric walk-in vans that are built to meet a variety of needs, including parcel delivery, food and beverage, construction, landscaping and more.
The EVI commercial vehicles have a GVW range from class 4 to class 5, and offer a scalable system that can achieve up to 90 miles per charge relying on UQM PowerPhase electric propulsion systems.
“The UQM HD systems provide a solid electric powertrain for our medium-duty trucks and walk-in vans,” said Ricky Hanna, chief executive officer of EVI. The partnership will help the company provide commercial fleet operators with efficient and dependable vehicles, Hanna added.
Under the new long-term supply agreement, UQM will begin shipping PowerPhase HD systems to EVI in the third quarter of 2013.