Altair Nanotechnologies
Inc., a leading provider of advanced materials and products for power and
energy systems, today announced it received an initial $540,000 order for four
hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) demonstration battery packs from DesignLine
International. The HEV battery packs will be utilized in buses for three
city transit customers, and one HEV battery pack will be used for a modular
testing program.
"This key, initial milestone in our HEV commercialization strategy leverages
the distinctive value our technology can bring to the mass transit sector,"
said Terry M. Copeland, Altair's Chief Executive Officer. "With the completion
of a successful demonstration program, we can anticipate an initial ramp-up
of orders from DesignLine in 2009. We are aggressively pursuing similar opportunities
in the mass transit sector and fully expect to have more customer wins with
our enabling technology."
Altair will provide DesignLine International with 11Ah cells, which will be
assembled into four 44kWh demonstration battery packs. Altair will configure
the cells into modules and then integrate a battery management system supplied
by DesignLine International. During the assembly process Altair will train DesignLine's
personnel, preparing them to perform future modular assembly without Altair's
assistance.
"The Altair lithium titanate cell technology in our proprietary battery
design is particularly well suited for the DesignLine EcoSaver IV Hybrid System
allowing the delivery of a superior performing product to our mass transit customers,"
said Brad C. Glosson, DesignLine International's Chief Executive Officer. "The
selection of Altair battery cells for the company's hybrid demonstration buses
was based on meeting four key criteria: the high energy capturing efficiency
of the cells; its energy density to weight capability; the cell's ability to
rapidly charge and discharge in temperatures ranging from -40º C to +55º
C; and a long cycle life that complements our technically advanced vehicle platform."
DesignLine targets the mass transit sector with buses constructed with advanced,
extruded aluminum technology for superior strength and reduced weight. The company
employs a component manufacturing strategy and a manufacturing process that
has been refined to approximate automotive tolerances. The bus features a curved,
streamlined body, an expansive use of seamless windows, and provides a luxury
ride for up to 42 passengers. The HEV bus operates in an electric-only mode
for as much as 30 percent of its range and provides a 100 percent improvement
in fuel economy over a diesel bus, with fuel savings of up to 6,000 gallons
per year.