Enova Systems to Deploy All Electric Vehicles Fleets

In a four-phase initiative launched in collaboration with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC), the companies plan to deliver all electric vehicles to the North American fleet market by 2010. Today they announce the completion of the ambitious program’s first phase.

“We are on target with FCCC to achieve our shared goal of deploying all-electric vehicles with national fleets in early 2010,” says Enova Chief Operating Officer, John Mullins. “This is welcome news for the many fleets and parcel delivery companies across North America that are looking to transition to all-electric vehicles in 2010.”

To support this transition, Enova is integrating its 120kW all-electric drive system technology with strategically selected FCCC chassis platforms, including the MT-45 walk-in van chassis used by a range of FCCC’s national fleet customers. The company’s highest volume chassis, the MT-45 offers a gross vehicle weight up to 19,000 lbs. with maximum payloads of 10,000 lbs.

“As part of the first phase of our joint initiative, we demonstrated the Enova Ze walk-in van powered by our integrated all-electric drive technology to key customers and national fleet industry decisions-makers,” explains Mullins. “The response has been extremely enthusiastic.”

Among those who participated in the demonstrations were the U.S. Department of Energy, United States Postal Service, US Postal Regulatory Commission, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). During 2009 Enova also demonstrated the all-electric Ze van at conferences across the nation, including the Plug-In 2009 Conference in Long Beach, CA; the NC and SC Clean Cities Coalition in Gaffney, SC; and the Calstart Hybrid Truck Users Forum Conference in Atlanta, GA.

In 2009, Enova and FCCC identified and qualified national fleet operators who will receive the first deployment of pilot vehicles. Enova also completed a supplier audit conducted at the company’s Torrance facility.

“With the completion of our first phase, Enova and FCCC are gearing up for the next phase,” says Mullins. “We’re preparing to demonstrate the outstanding performance of our electric vehicles on real-world delivery routes, and deploy EVs across the commercial fleet segment. 

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation manufactures premium chassis for the motor-home, delivery walk-in van, and school bus and shuttle bus markets. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company. For more information, visit www.freightlinerchassis.com.

Enova Systems (NYSE AMEX:ENA) (AIM:ENV) (AIM:ENVS) is a leading supplier of efficient, environmentally friendly digital power components and systems products. The Company’s core competencies are focused on the development and commercialization of power management and conversion systems for mobile applications. Enova applies unique “enabling technologies” in the areas of alternative energy propulsion systems for light and heavy-duty vehicles as well as power conditioning and management systems for distributed generation systems. The Company develops, designs and produces non-invasive drive systems and related components for electric, hybrid-electric, and fuel cell powered vehicles in both the “new” and “retrofit” vehicle sales market. For further information, contact Enova Systems directly, or visit www.enovasystems.com.