EEStor ultracapitors to run LightEVs cars

http://www.cleantech.com/news/3625/eestor-signs-exclusive-deal-lightevs
October 2, 2008
Exclusive deal for power packs expected to let two- and three-wheeled vehicles go at least 100 miles on a single charge.
EEStor, the secretive Cedar Park, Texas-based ultracapacitor developer, has added another client to its list.

Eugene, Ore.-based Light Electric Vehicles Company announced that EEStor's electric energy storage units (EESUs) would be used exclusively on their two- and three-wheeled electric and gasoline-powered vehicles.

The news release also sheds more light on the ultracapacitors the company had previously described as solid-state storage systems that are lighter than existing battery packs but last longer.

Announcing the partnership with EEStor, Carl Watkins, president of LightEVs, cited EEStor's progress in producing their multilayered, barium titanate ceramic capacitors on a large-scale basis.

"They have met or exceeded each of their technology milestones, as verified by outside laboratories, and the remaining steps all utilize well established industry techniques," Watkins said.

EEStor is expected to begin producing the EESUs for LightEVs next year.

Earlier this year defense contractor Lockheed Martin signed an exclusive international rights agreement with EEStor (see Lockheed-Martin to use EEStor's ultracapacitors).

Zenn Motor is already planning to release an electric car running on the EESUs by late next year (see Zenn gearing up for EEStor-powered car).

LightEVs' exec. VP John Stephens said his company has different needs. "We are planning an electric bicycle that will have a one kilowatt-hour EESU weighing less than five pounds which should provide approximately 100 miles or more of range, and we are considering a three-wheel two-passenger electric vehicle which could offer EESU options permitting ranges from about 120 miles to over 500 miles on a single charge, and a top speed of over 85 mph."

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