E-buses to test eDT traction system
UQM Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: UQM) has entered India’s elecric vehicle market, with first purchase order from Ashok Leyland, a major India commercial vehicle manufacturer.
The order is for 51 UQM PowerPhase® eDT systems to be shipped during 2018 for a demonstration program for electric transit buses in India.
It is a first step in the development program to gain market leadership and drive the overall 2030 India electrification initiative.
Ashok Leyland manufactures commercial vehicles of all classes and is the second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India.
The electric bus program is utilizing the high efficiency UQM PowerPhase eDT traction drive system, which uses the UQM electric drive paired with an Eaton 2-speed transmission.
The PowerPhase eDT has proven efficiency, range, and reliability with millions of miles on the road with UQM’s global customers. This program will assist in reducing dangerous levels of diesel emissions, thereby improving operational safety and environmental conditions in the India transit arena.
Upon successful completion of the demonstration program, Ashok Leyland plans to move forward with its strategy to grow the India EV market with additional zero-emission vehicles incorporating the UQM electric drive technology.
“The development work between our teams has been significant to get to this point, and now the prototype program for this strategic alliance is underway,” said Joe Mitchell, President and CEO of UQM Technologies.
UQM is aligned with Ashok Leyland’s vision and is prepared to support and grow this critical commercial vehicle transit bus market in India.
“We view this as a long term relationship, and we are pleased to support our new strategic customer,” he said.
UQM Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of power-dense, high-efficiency electric motors, generators, power electronic controllers and fuel cell compressors for the commercial truck, bus, automotive, marine, and industrial markets.
Ashok Leyland is the second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world, and twelfth largest manufacturer of trucks globally. Operating nine plants, Ashok Leyland also makes spare parts and engines for industrial and marine applications. fii-news.com
