webrand (02/15/00)

Unique Mobility Receives Order from Tier-One Automotive Supplier for Electronic Motor Controls Used in Electrically Powered Air ConditioningSystems

Units Under Development for Application in Next Generation 42-Volt Passenger 

Automobile Electric Air Conditioning Systems 

GOLDEN, Colo., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Unique Mobility, Inc. (Amex: UQM) has received an order from a multinational tier-one automotive supplier to deliver high efficiency electronic motor controls for an electrically powered air conditioning system, it was announced today by William G. Rankin, President and CEO. The development of this system is part of the automotive industry's initiative to replace the current 12-volt passenger automobile electrical system with a higher capacity 42-volt system, Mr. Rankin said. 

For increased performance, the air conditioning system is configured to operate in the next generation 42-volt electrical system for standard passenger vehicles. Introduction of the 42-volt standard is being driven by continually increasing electric power requirements within automobiles for such features as power windows, seats, brakes, seat heaters, music and phone systems and global positioning devices. This new voltage is three times the present standard of 14-volts (the charged voltage of a 12-volt battery is 14-volts) and will provide conventional vehicles with additional benefits such as improved fuel economy and increased power availability. The change will also provide the means to drive accessories with electricity rather than with engine-driven belts. Other potential changes include electric valve actuation, electrically driven pumps, electric power steering, and combined starter-alternator units. These improved auxiliary products and the 42-volt electrical system are expected to be introduced in some automobile models as early as 2002. 

Said Mr. Rankin: "Our work over the last decade in electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems has clearly demonstrated the advantages of our power dense and efficient motor and controller technology, the most recent example being our motor generator just introduced in the General Motors Precept Technology Demonstration Vehicle. Recognizing these advantages, many of these same customers and others are now turning to us to provide under-the- hood auxiliary products that meet their performance and cost expectations for both conventional automobile models as well as hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles currently under development. We believe the automotive industry's initiative to adopt a 42-volt electrical system standard provides a tremendous opportunity for Unique and expect to see continuing growth in this segment of our business." 


It appears that the 42 volt system is on its way.