Jun 11 2008
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. today announced that it was awarded a contract by EDAG Engineering + Design AG (EDAG) to develop advanced hybrid vehicle powertrains for the Future Steel Vehicle program sponsored by WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI).
Under this contract, Quantum will design, analyze, and develop hybrid vehicle powertrain architectures, i.e., advanced plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and hydrogen fuel cell hybrid vehicles. Quantum will work with their partner, Advanced Lithium Power Inc. (ALP), to develop the advanced lithium-ion battery system and controls for each of the vehicle architectures.
Future Steel Vehicle will develop lightweight steel auto body concepts that address alternative powertrains, such as advanced hybrid, electric, and fuel cell systems. The goal of the research is the demonstration of safe, structurally efficient steel bodies for future vehicles that reduce GHG (green house gas) emissions over the entire life cycle, it demonstrates steel as the material of choice for alternative fuel architectures and positions the steel industry as a key resource for cost-effective structures and opportunities for packaging of alternative propulsion systems. EDAG, with expertise in product and manufacturing engineering using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) for automotive sheet metal structures, as well as body and closure design, was awarded the program by IISI. EDAG, headquartered in Fulda, Germany, is the world's largest independent engineering development partner to the international mobility industry. Quantum is a member of EDAG's winning team and will develop the alternative powertrain systems for the Future Steel Vehicle project.
"Demand for Quantum's innovative hybrid electric powertrain designs and experience in taking alternative propulsion system concepts into production continues to grow worldwide. We look forward to working with EDAG and IISI-WorldAutoSteel on this exciting integration of advanced lightweight vehicle structures with our advanced hybrid powertrains," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. "With oil prices above $130.00 a barrel and the national average of a gallon of gas exceeding $4.00 a gallon, there is growing demand worldwide for energy efficient transportation. IISI's vision for the development of a Future Steel Vehicle clearly addresses this need."