Quantum and Dow Kokam deliver first Plug-In Hybrid Electric F-150

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. has delivered the first pilot version of its plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) F-150 pickup truck to Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), in association with Dow Kokam, the lithium-ion battery system supplier for the PHEV F-150.
FPL is an early adopter of both PHEVs and EVs (Electric Vehicle), and operates one of the largest green fleets of any investor-owned utility in the country.
The PHEV F-150 is powered by Quantum’s “F-Drive” parallel plug-in-hybrid electric drive system. The “F-Drive” allows the truck to run the first 35 miles on electric drive and then switch to hybrid drive mode, achieving 100+ mpg depending on the drive cycle and charging frequency. The PHEV F-150 incorporates a 20 kWh lithium-ion energy storage system from Dow Kokam.
Current Dow Kokam cells use nickel metal cobalt (NMC) technology, and feature an energy density of 143 mAh/g, with a high cycle life of 2,000 cycles at 80% discharge.
Established in 2009, Dow Kokam is owned by The Dow Chemical Company, TK Advanced Battery LLC and Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault (Dassault).


Source: Green Car Congress

Quantum and SB Electronics form technology partnership to launch next generation hybrid electric drive systems

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. and SBE, Inc. have formed a technology partnership. As part of this partnership, SBE, Inc. is providing a novel integrated capacitor/bus structure design solutions for Quantum power electronics for automotive applications.

The SBE integrated module is an approach which offers many benefits such as higher performance, weight reduction, smaller packaging and total system cost savings.

Quantum continues to optimize and improve the efficiencies of our advanced electric drive-train products. We expect the SBE integrated capacitor/bus structure to enable substantial packaging and performance advantages in our next generation electric and hybrid-electric drive systems.

—Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies

The electrification of the automobile has successfully reached the technical feasibility stage today. Cost improvements are needed to reach the commercial viability stage for mass market acceptance. Cost must be attacked everywhere. The SBE power ring capacitor technology is a major enabler for power electronics design simplification, up-integration, and higher temperature operation to significantly drive down the cost while improving performance.

—Jon Bereisa, Senior Technical Advisor for SBE, Inc.

The ring shape (annular form factor) of the SBE Power Ring Film Capacitor provides extremely low internal losses (ESR) within the film and also provides for the purest form of interconnect symmetry which can lower the inductive properties (ESL).

The main application of the SBE Power Ring Film Capacitor in electric drive systems is for the DC Link Capacitor used in inverters. Typical voltages range from 250V – 1500Vdc and ripple currents range from 40 – 5400 Arms at 10 – 100khz switching frequencies. In earlier applications, Aluminum Electrolytics were used extensively for DC Link capacitors, however, as voltages and ripple currents rise, these may not be the best choice any longer for reliable, size efficient use, SBE says.

The Power Ring Film Capacitor allows for a much reduced capacitor volume and cost for a design’s given ripple current requirement.

Source: Green Car Congress

Plug-in hybrid Ford F-150 features new Quantum F-Drive powered by Dow Kokam lithium ion technology

PRESS RELEASE:

IRVINE, Calif., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) announced today that it has received a contract to deliver 100+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) pickup truck fleet vehicles powered by Dow Kokam lithium ion battery technology to The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW).

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. 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.

"Quantum is proud to be partnering with The Dow Chemical Company to launch the PHEV F-150 truck," said Alan Niedzwiecki, President and 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 executive vice president, Business Services and Chief Sustainability Officer. "By converting approximately 5 percent of our U.S. 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."

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. 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 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. The fleet vehicles, incorporating Quantum's F-Drive, will meet Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards, US Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board emission requirements, and incorporate Dow Kokam Lithium Ion batteries.

"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, 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."

About Quantum

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (NASDAQ: QTWW) a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's wholly owned subsidiary, Schneider Power Inc., and affiliate Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH complement Quantum's emerging renewable energy presence through the development and ownership of wind and solar farms, and manufacture of high efficiency solar modules. Quantum's portfolio of technologies includes electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, natural gas and hydrogen storage and metering systems and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and natural gas vehicles. Quantum's powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, natural gas fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum's customer base includes automotive OEMs, dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.

About Dow Kokam

Dow Kokam brings technologically advanced and economically viable battery solutions to the transportation, defense, industrial and medical industries. Uniting Dow, Kokam America and Dassault SVE creates the first battery and energy management systems manufacturer to combine viable, scalable large-format battery technology with the market franchise, manufacturing expertise and market knowledge necessary to become the clear partner of choice across industries.

Dow Kokam was established in 2009 to develop and manufacture advanced energy storage technologies for the transportation and other industries. The company is owned by The Dow Chemical Company, TK Advanced Battery LLC and Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault.

Plug-In Hybrid Conversions For the Ford F-150 From Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies

Overview of the plug-in hybrid system for the F-150. Click to enlarge.

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. has launched a new line of hybrid vehicles—converted plug-in hybrid versions of the Ford F-150 pickup, the highest volume selling vehicle in the US. The conversions are based on the F-150 4 X 4 Extended Cab with 145” W.B.

Equipped with Quantum’s new “F-Drive” hybrid system, the PHEV F-150 will have a 35-mile electric range before shifting to a hybrid mode where it can continue for a total range of more than 400 miles. The vehicle will be capable of matching the performance of the conventional F-150 vehicle while achieving substantially higher fuel economy and producing lower emissions.

The plug-in F-150 uses a through the road parallel hybrid configuration, and incorporates:

• 3.7L V6 with output of 305 hp (227 kW) and torque of 280 lb-ft (380 N·m)
• 100 kW traction motor with 450 N·m (332 lb-ft) continuous, 650 N·m (479 lb-ft) peak torque
• air-cooled 22.6 kWh Li-ion battery pack (240–385 VDC; 160–320 A)
• 100 kW power inverter
• 290–420 VDC DC/DC converter
• 1–3 kW charger

To meet the requirements of fleet customers, the F-Drive has been integrated in the F-150 vehicle such that there is no impingement into the cab or bed and it maintains full ground clearance. Top speed of the vehicle is 95 mph, and 0-60 acceleration in electric mode takes less than 11 seconds. Towing capacity is 2,000 lbs.

Source: Green Car Congress