DETROIT, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army and Quantum Fuel Systems
Technologies Worldwide, Inc., Irvine, Calif., (Nasdaq: QTWW), unveiled a
hydrogen-hybrid demonstration vehicle today at the 2006 SAE World Congress in
Detroit.
Using a Ford Hybrid Escape as the demonstrator platform, the Army's Tank
Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), with its
National Automotive Center (NAC), and industry partner Quantum, is working to
pair hybrid electric vehicles with a hydrogen delivery and storage system.
Part of the 21st Century Base Initiative, this technology has the potential to
offer a cost-effective alternative to full fuel cell powered vehicles.
"Currently one of the biggest vehicle technology focuses for the Army is
alternative energy, both hybrid and fuel cell. Although the Army has set
standards for Future Fleet hybrid energy use, we [Army] are looking at many
industry solutions to infuse into the Current Fleet," said Paul Skalny, Acting
Director of TARDEC's NAC. "The NAC has numerous agreements with top automotive
suppliers and research companies, and we are continually exploring the uses of
commercial fuel cell and hybrid platforms for both tactical and combat
vehicles."
Under this collaborative agreement, the NAC and Quantum are developing an
advanced hydrogen storage system, a fuel injection system, and electronic
controls that are required for the Hydrogen Escape Hybrid. The complete
Hydrogen Hybrid package will include: an electronic, multi-point hydrogen
injection system; a turbocharger and intercooler for increased performance and
efficiency; compressed hydrogen fuel storage modules equipped with a pressure
regulation system; and, a hydrogen fuel delivery system that uses hydrogen
compatible components.
"We are pleased that the U.S. Army has partnered with Quantum to develop
the Hydrogen Escape Hybrid, as we [Quantum] continue our expansion into the
hybrid vehicle market," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of
Quantum. "The U.S. Army NAC is at the forefront of supporting the development
and demonstration of advanced technologies to support the needs of our
Soldiers, and Quantum is proud to have been their partner on this and other
programs."
Quantum's HyHauler Plus(TM) will be supporting the Hydrogen Escape Hybrid
as a transportable hydrogen refueling station. In the fall of 2006, this
infrastructure will be supporting the Department of Energy's Fuel Cell Fleet
demo program at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Harrison Township, Mich.,
serving as an interim hydrogen fueling station until their permanent fueling
station is complete.
TARDEC is headquartered at the Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Mich. It is the
Nation's laboratory for advanced military automotive technology. TARDEC's
mission is to research, develop, engineer, leverage and integrate advanced
technology into ground systems and support equipment throughout the life
cycle. Its technical staff leads research in ground vehicle survivability,
mobility, intelligent systems, and maneuver support and sustainment.
Quantum and its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, are leaders in
powertrain engineering, system integration, and manufacturing of packaged fuel
systems and accessories for specialty vehicles and applications including fuel
cells, hybrids, alternative fuels, hydrogen refueling, new body styles, mid-
cycle vehicle product enhancements and high performance engines and drive
trains for OEMs and consumers of aftermarket parts and accessories. Quantum
also designs and manufactures hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. More information
can be found about Quantum's products and services at http://www.qtww.com .
SOURCE U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and
Engineering Center
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Related links:
http://tardec.army.mil
http://www.qtww.com
CONTACT:
Paul Mehney, +1-586-770-3438, or Ashley John,
+1-586-405-5570, both of TARDEC
NOTE TO EDITORS: The U.S. Army and Quantum will be featuring
collaborative technologies at the 2006 SAE World Congress in
Detroit, Mich. April 3-6 at Cobo Hall, in Booth #701. For media
contact information and to see live demonstrations of the
Hydrogen Escape Hybrid, the Aggressor Alternative Mobility
Vehicle, or the HyHauler(TM) Plus Mobile Hydrogen refueling
station, please contact Paul Mehney, U.S. Army TARDEC,
+1-586-770-3438, or Ashley John, U.S. Army TARDEC,
+1-586-405-5570.
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