"We are pleased to see strong customer interest in our U-Charge Power System for electric and hybrid electric vehicle applications," stated Valence CEO Stephan Godevais.

"Saphion technology's unique combination of safety, performance and low cost, makes lithium-ion a viable technology for this burgeoning industry. UQM is a leading provider of power dense and highly efficient electric motors, generators and controllers targeting the alternative energy sector and we are pleased to be working with them," continued Stephan Godevais.

UQM develops and manufactures electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems for a variety of on-road and off-road vehicles. Until recently, the only option for the hybrid/electric vehicle industry was the NiMH (nickel metal-hydride) rechargeable battery.

Valence is the first company to commercialize a large format phosphate-based lithium-ion product. UQM selected the U-Charge Power System based on its cost effectiveness and ability to deliver on performance as well as safety - all specific requirements of the military.

UQM is in the technology demonstration phase of the program to prove the electric vehicle concept.

"We selected Valence's U-Charge product, a high performing lithium-ion battery, which we expect will significantly outperform the nickel metal hydride battery solutions used in electric vehicle applications in the past." stated William G. Rankin, President and Chief Executive Office, UQM Technologies.

"The ability of our combined technologies to overcome some of the limitations of previously developed electric vehicles could potentially lead to a resurgence of interest in zero emission vehicles of all types, from electric trucks to unmanned vehicles," continued Rankin.

Increasingly, the military is seeking lighter and quieter vehicles to lessen its impact on the environment and enable greater mobility for large troop deployments. Switching to electric applications will result in the reduction of fuel usage and the amount of waste in landfills.

Valence's Saphion-based technology contains no heavy metals, negating any of the disposal issues that plague other traditional lead acid technologies. Also as Saphion technology is a lithium-ion chemistry, its superior performance ensures that its cycle life and lack of "memory effect" will increase the longevity of Valence products over traditional NiMH batteries.

The U-Charge Power System

The U-Charge Power System is a family of lithium-ion energy storage systems that offers superior run-time, requires little to no maintenance, and delivers greater energy density, reliability, long life and intrinsic safety.

The U-Charge powers a variety of motive applications including hybrid and electric vehicles, scooters and wheelchairs.

Built on a phosphate cathode core, the U-Charge's Saphion technology is intrinsically safe and environmentally friendly. The U-Charge combines the power and performance of lithium-ion with Saphion technology's safety characteristics to challenge the dominance of NiMH batteries.

UQM Technologies
Valence Technology