UQM to Power Australian EV Engineering Holden Commodore Test Fleet

Automotive suppliers in Australia are working collaboratively to demonstrate technical viability and attractiveness of electric vehicles to customers

The UQM PowerPhase Select(R) 145 electric propulsion system has been selected by EV Engineering to power its proof-of-concept fleet of Australian-built EV Commodore electric vehicles.

The EV Engineering project is converting a fleet of locally manufactured Holden Commodore passenger cars to proof-of-concept fully-electric vehicles by June 2012, to demonstrate the technical viability and attractiveness to customers of a full-size electric car. If successful, technologies used in the project could be considered for possible future mass production.

"We believe that Australia's automotive future lies with electric cars," said Ian McCleave, EV Engineering Chief Executive Officer. "We're working with leaders in the industry to build an electric model of Australia's most popular manufactured car for 15 successive years. In doing so, we're demonstrating the technical viability and attractiveness of large, comfortable electric cars; and helping to build leading-edge skills in EV technologies. We're pleased to work with UQM as we demonstrate the viability of large, comfortable electric cars in Australia. The PowerPhase motors from UQM have proven to be durable and reliable while delivering the power required for a full-sized electric vehicle."

The EV Commodore electric vehicle project is led by EV Engineering, a collaborative venture between leading Australian automotive suppliers: Air International, Bosch, Continental and Futuris; along with leading industrial company GE, and electric car infrastructure provider, Better Place, to develop a proof-of-concept electric vehicle for the Australian market.

"Programs such as this help demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles and educate the public on the advantages of vehicles equipped with our PowerPhase electric propulsion systems," said Eric Ridenour, UQM Technologies President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our PowerPhase 145 that will power the EV Commodore proof-of-concept cars is a powerful, compact and highly efficient turn-key electric propulsion system. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow globally, we are positioned to meet the increasing demand with proven products and a strong manufacturing infrastructure."

UQM PowerPhase electric propulsion systems have been selected to power CODA Automotive's vehicles, Proterra's electric composite transit buses, as well as Electric Vehicles International's all-electric medium-duty truck test fleet which is currently being built for UPS.