UQM Technologies
UQM Technologies Inc is an American manufacturer of electrical motors, generators, motor controllers, fuel cell compressor systems and hybrid systems for passenger and commercial vehicles. Established in 1967 as Unique Mobility Inc, UQM is based in Longmont, Colorado. UQM's products are sold direct to original equipment manufacturers (OEM). In 2010, UQM received a visit from vice-president Joe Biden to promote the $45million of Stimulus Act money the company received.[1]
Products
The company was involved in the late 1970s Unique Mobility Electrek vehicle, a 2-door 2+2 seater made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic and powered by 16 six-volt batteries.[2] The Elecktrek featured regenerative braking, and could reach a claimed maximum speed of 75 mph and an urban driving range of 75 miles.[3]
UQM is providing PowerPhase propulsion systems for Zenith Motors shuttles, RegenNautics marine applications, Hino Motors electric city buses and Proterra electric composite buses, among others[4] and has been utilised by several concept cars such as the Audi A1 e-tron and Rolls-Royce 102EX Electric Phantom. The PowerPhase Pro system entered production in October 2011.
The German company Ruf Automobile modified a Porsche 911 into an electric version called eRuf Model A, utilising UQM's 150kW PowerPhase motor.[5]
In 2008, Boeing made aviation history by achieving the first manned flight of a fuel-cell-powered aircraft which utilised a UQM motor.[6]
Awards
Given its contribution to the application of hybrid electric propulsion to small military boats, UQM received a $70,000 Phase I contract which was awarded by the Office of Naval Research from the U.S. Navy, in 2003.[7]
References
- ^ "Biden to visit Colo. tech company to plug stimulus". Business Week. 29 April 2010. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
- ^ "ElecTrek". Western Development Museum. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
- ^ World Cars. [S.l.]: Herald Bks. 1982. p. 53. ISBN 0910714142.
- ^ "UQM Technologies Inc". Business Week. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
- ^ "Ruf's electric Porshce powered by UQM motor". Autoblog.com. 21 October 2008. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
- ^ "Boeing Flies First Fuel-Cell-Powered Manned Aircraft". Sustainable Business. 16 April 2008. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
- ^ "CUQM Technologies Receives Award From the U.S. Navy".