Jul 26 2009
Austin, Texas-based KLD Energy Technologies, Inc., developers of the patented Neue™ drive simple™ high-performance electric motor system technology, has named Rob Ferber, former science director at San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla Motors Inc., as its chief technology officer. With Ferber’s addition, KLD Energy Technologies will open an office in San Jose, Calif.
“Rob is an important addition to our executive team. He is a true innovator in the electric vehicle industry,” said Christian Okonsky, founder and CEO of KLD Energy Technologies. “We are at an important turning point for our company and his expertise and experience will no doubt further energize us.”
Ferber has 20 years of experience as a scientist developing battery systems for AC Propulsion Inc. and Tesla Motors. While at Tesla Motors, Ferber was responsible for the company's early development of lithium battery packs.
“KLD’s Neue™ motor system is a highly disruptive technology poised to transform electric vehicle design and performance,” said Ferber. “I’m excited to be a part of this dynamic company.”
With the addition of Ferber, KLD Energy Technologies will open a new office in San Jose. The company currently has research and development activities underway in Austin, Texas and Gilroy, Calif.
KLD Energy Technologies announced in June that its Neue™ high-performance, transmissionless electric motor system will be made available in the United States through a new, sleek electric scooter. The E165 scooter reaches speeds of up to 65 miles per hour and possesses a range of over 100 miles on a standard lithium battery. Made from an innovative nano-crystalline composite material to conduct energy more efficiently than traditional iron-core motors, the Neue™ motor has a high-frequency to low RPM ratio. The Neue™ enables two- and three-wheeled vehicles to attain speeds and performance levels comparable to gas-powered vehicles. Base price for the scooter is $3,288.00.
Earlier this year, KLD Energy Technologies announced a deal with Sufat, the leading Vietnamese scooter manufacturer, to produce its high-performance motor for a new line of scooters.