Plymouth Meeting, Pa.-based Lithium Technology Corp. (Pink Sheets: LTHU) a manufacturer of large rechargeable lithium batteries, Monday announced a $4.7 millon order for hybrid bus batteries from Kettering University and Transportation Techniques LLC.
"Today we demonstrate our ability to supply large batteries that meet the most stringent demands and that are safe and reliable," said Klaus Brandt, CEO of LTC.
Flint's Mass Transportation Authority is developing new drive train technologies as an alternative to current diesel-powered buses.
Current hybrid buses provide approximately 15 to 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency in the heavy-duty transit applications. TransTeq's hybrid technology, which will use LTC's batteries, also incorporates an enhanced set of control systems and more efficient components to provide an additional improvement of 15 to 20 percent. This equates to an overall improvement of up to 40 percent over standard diesel powered vehicles.
Additionally, due to TransTeq's patented control configuration, this bus also has the capability to operate in a zero emission mode. This is particularly important in select areas of cities where combustion engines are not or will not be allowed in the future. This bus can go into zero emission mode, run its route through the sensitive part of the city while running on energy from the batteries alone, and then turn on its engine and generator once it leaves the area.
The hybrid bus program is headed by Professor Mohamed El Sayed of Kettering University. The MTA will provide the vehicles and facilities for carrying out the technology demonstration. The integration and the production of vehicles will be done by TransTeq and will be based on progress milestones. At a later stage, discussions will be held between Kettering University, Michigan based GR Investment Group, TransTeq's parent company, and LTC for the production of the batteries in the State of Michigan.
"We went to great lengths to find the right partner and the right battery technology, and we believe we found these qualities within LTC," El Sayed said. "This project is not only important to all the partners that participate, but most importantly to the health of all the inhabitants of large cities and the health of our planet."
More at www.lithiumtech.com.
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