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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
6.08.2005 ET
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CSR News from:
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European Plug in Prius Launched
Greener more fuel efficient 'plug in' hybrid conversions to be commercialised in Europe by UK company in partnership with EnergyCS and Edrive Systems
(CSRwire) United Kingdom, Lincolnshire- Amberjac Projects Limited are proud to
announce, in conjunction with our USA partners EnergyCS and Edrive Systems
LLC, the launch of the 'Plug In' Hybrid concept in Europe. Incorporates
Valence Technology's SaphionRR Lithium-ion battery allowing more
zero-emission driving and improved consumption.
Amberjac Projects is in the process of acquiring exclusive European rights
from Edrive Systems and EnergyCS to offer integrated conversions and
licensing of the Edrive Systems 'Plug-in' concept to integrators and OEM
manufacturers.
"This is a breakthrough in the industry. The PHEV allows renewable energy
to displace gasoline, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels," said Stephan
Godevais, president and CEO of Valence Technology." We are pleased that
Amberjac Projects have followed EnergyCS and Edrive Systems by adopting a
Saphion solution for the European Prius PHEV conversion kit."
'Plug-in' hybrids have a higher capacity battery system and the capability
to recharge from national grid electricity supplies, adding renewable
energy to the transportation fuel mix. Recharging will normally take place
overnight utilising cheap rate electricity and taking advantage of spare
off peak generation capacity, taking advantage of unused capacity at that
time.
The 'Plug-in' Hybrid concept is a revolutionary development offering
significant improvements in fuel efficiency and zero emission electric
vehicle range, and represents a major advancement in Hybrid vehicle
technology.
The first vehicle to be converted will be a Toyota Prius and will be
available for demonstrations or press events at the end of July 2005, with
a vehicle conversion commercially available in early 2006. Early adopters
are being sought for initial development vehicles, at higher initial cost,
to assist us with our data generation programme or for extended fleet
trials.
Recently the Edrive Systems Plug-in Prius achieved 102mpg (US Gallon) over
the first 60 miles and a net 84mpg over a 150 mile course in the Tour de
Sol in New York, first place in Hybrid category and first place in
technical innovation.
Plug in upgrades will be offered for other hybrid vehicles as they become
available from OEM manufacturers, such as the new Lexus RX400h hybrid,
GS450h hybrid and the European version of the Ford Escape hybrid. OEM
manufacturers are invited to discuss the possibilities of integrating the
plug-in concept in new vehicle development programmes with the 4x4 (SUV)
and large/medium vehicle markets of particular focus.
The key elements of the Prius 'Plug-in' conversion are as follows:
1) 9kWh SaphionT battery system replaces the standard 1.3kWh NiMH pack
2) BMU (Battery Management Unit) system that interfaces seamlessly with
the Toyota Hybrid System (THS)
3) Up to 35 miles EV range at urban speeds below 33mph
4) 130 in combined cycle driving (130 miles per imperial gallon, 1
Imperial gallon = 4.4 litres; 1 US gallon = 3.8 Litres)
5) Returns to normal Prius hybrid mode when battery pack depleted
6) Compact Onboard charging system, charge anywhere
7) Charged by domestic electrical power. Charge overnight using cheap
rate off peak electricity and grid renewables.
8) Can be conveniently charged by roadside charging systems
9) Will be the first commercially available plug-in hybrid, pre-orders
being taken
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