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European Plug in Prius Launched

European Plug in Prius Launched

Published 06-08-05

Submitted by Amberjac Projects Limited

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

Amberjac Projects Limited logo

Amberjac Projects Limited

Amberjac Projects Limited

Amberjac Projects, a UK company, are specialists in large format battery integrated systems for EV, HEV and PHEv applications and also UPS, standby power, telecoms and military applications. In particular we concentrate on cutting edge Lithium solutions, bringing you a completely independent view of Lithium battery solutions for a wide range of applications. In addition we offer battery management solutions, chargers, test facilities and consultancy to help you through the battery minefield. Our range of NiMH cells offer a solution for those applications where price sensitivity is a major concern and weight size constraints are not problematic.

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