Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Helping EVs Zoom on the Road
Fossil fuel outputs have been declining in the recent years and technologies are being developed so electric vehicles will be feasible for the public.
The electric motor is more than 90% more energy efficient than the combustion engines used by vehicles today. The ordinary combustion engine car today outputs 25 to 30% of the energy from its fuel in the tank. The electric propulsion makes vehicles more efficient and friendlier to the environment.
In 2007, only 2.2% of the market comprised hybrid cars. The automotive sector forecasts a 15% coverage by 2015. Major car manufacturers are gearing towards the development of EVs and the market is responding well with these green cars.
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. is a Tier 1 provider of propulsion systems, alternative fuel cars, energy storage, and equipment supplier.
Quantum has developed an EREV or extended range electric vehicle which makes use of a hybrid plug in system. The Q Drive allows operation of vehicles in pure electric mode. This translates to around 50 miles of coverage in 1 charging. In the US this covers most of the daily trips and may lead to lower emissions in the future.
The Q Drive will be first used in the Fisker Automotive’s Karma. Fisker is a company co-founded by Quantum with auto design genius Henrik Fisker aiming to produce premium American cars. The company is looking at 15000 units of Fisker Karma to be produced starting 2011.
The Fisker Karma has a peak output of 200 kW consistent through out the battery charge. It also combines the EV technology with photovoltaic cells installed on its roof.
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