Dow revs up energy alternatives with novel u.s. fleet trucks
MIDLAND, Mich. -- Dow recently reached an agreement with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. to produce novel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) fleet trucks. Commercially available PHEVs are primarily passenger cars and offer significant advantages by reducing gasoline usage, maintenance requirements and CO2 emissions. Dow and a major utility company are the first to engage Quantum Technologies, a leading solutions provider for alternative and renewable energy technology, to convert conventional Ford F-150 trucks to PHEV trucks powered by Dow Kokam lithium ion battery technology, which delivers the energy and power balance required for these vehicles.
'Pioneering the use of Dow Kokam battery technology for these PHEV fleet trucks is another example of how Dow is driving the adoption of energy alternatives in transportation,' says Dave Kepler, executive vice president, Business Services and Chief Sustainability Officer. 'The agreement is the culmination of a collaboration between Dow, Quantum, Dow Kokam and our fleet provider to create and deploy the first PHEV trucks - using leading battery technology that is changing the future of commercial vehicle propulsion.'
Conversion of the trucks will be completed in phases beginning in December 2011. Dow will deploy more than 100 PHEV trucks by the end of 2012, in the first phase of its fleet conversion. In addition to the trucks, Dow has purchased two Chevy Volt electric-powered vehicles for use within Michigan Operations and its corporate headquarters in Midland, Michigan to determine how to expand EVs to its broader fleet of company cars. Dow is also installing charging stations in phases as the Volts and PHEV trucks are deployed and as site facilities are upgraded. Dow's new energy-efficient Business Services building will be equipped with multiple charging stations, which will be accessible to employees with all varieties of electric vehicles (EVs) while fleet usage is ramping up.
The Benefits of PHEV Technology
PHEVs have dual drive trains: one battery electric, the other traditional internal combustion. A PHEV uses only battery power until the battery charge is depleted (~35 miles in the case of the Quantum vehicles), after which a conventional engine-assisted hybrid system is engaged. PHEVs use no gasoline unless the battery range is exceeded and provide the added benefit of reducing wear and tear on brakes, keeping the converted trucks in service longer and addressing one of the largest maintenance issues within short-distance fleets.
From existing lightweight plastics and high-performance brake fluids to advanced adhesives and coatings to next-generation battery components, Dow is working to enhance the performance and reduce the cost of innovative solutions for the transportation, defense, industrial and medical industries. Dow Kokam’s lithium-ion batteries have significantly more energy for their size and weight than other battery technologies. And now, novel PHEV trucks are being created to provide more sustainable performance for fleet operations.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: Dow) combines the power of science and technology with the 'Human Element' to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2010, Dow had annual sales of $53.7 billion and employed approximately 50,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to 'Dow' or the 'Company' mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
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.
About Quantum
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., 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.
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