Quantum awarded powertrain development contract

Quantum Fuel Systems technologies announced on Tuesday that it has been awarded a contract by EDAG Engineering + Design AG (EDAG) to develop advanced hybrid vehicle powertrains for the Future Steel Vehicle program sponsored by WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI).

Under the contract, Quantum will design, analyze, and develop hybrid vehicle powertrain architectures, i.e., advanced plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and hydrogen fuel cell hybrid vehicles. Quantum will work with their partner, Advanced Lithium Power Inc. (ALP), to develop the lithium-ion battery system and controls for each of the vehicle architectures.

Future Steel Vehicle will develop lightweight steel auto body concepts that address alternative powertrains, such as advanced hybrid, electric, and fuel cell systems. The goal of the research is the demonstration of safe, structurally efficient steel bodies for future vehicles that reduce GHG (green house gas) emissions over the entire life cycle, Demonstrating steel as the material of choice for alternative fuel architectures.

EDAG, with expertise in product and manufacturing engineering using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) for automotive sheet metal structures, as well as body and closure design, was awarded the program by IISI. EDAG, headquartered in Fulda, Germany, is the world's largest independent engineering development partner to the international mobility industry. Quantum is a member of EDAG's winning team and will develop the alternative powertrain systems for the Future Steel Vehicle project.

Source: Fuel Cell Today