Unique Mobility: Fuel Cell "Breakthrough" Provides more Opportunities for Advanced Electric Motor Technology
24 October 1997
Fuel Cell "Breakthrough" Provides Increased Opportunities for Advanced Electric Motor Technology Says Chief Executive of Unique Mobility, Inc.
GOLDEN, Colo., Oct. 24 -- A "breakthrough" in fuel cells
makes this technology even more viable as a source of power for the electric
and hybrid electric cars of the early 21st century, the chief executive of a
leading edge electric motor manufacturer said today.
"Electric motors -- the smaller, lighter and more efficient, the better --
improve operation of the fuel cell. This will be pivotal to the development
and commercialization of fuel cells," said Ray Geddes, chairman and CEO of
Unique Mobility, Inc. (Amex: UQM) of Golden, Colorado, a world leader in
electric motor technology.
Fuel cells tend to operate over widely fluctuating voltages that are
dependent on the amount of power being produced. This can vary as a vehicle
accelerates from a standing start to cruising speed and back again.
Therefore, the compressor and vehicle motors must be small, lightweight and
highly efficient and be able to operate under fluctuating voltages. This is
what the Unique Mobility drive systems have proven they are capable of doing,
said Geddes.
Unique Mobility is working with several companies that offer cutting edge
fuel cell technology, including Energy Partners of West Palm Beach, Florida.
"We use the Unique drives because they are highly efficient, as high as 90-
95%, and roughly one-third of the size and weight of more conventional motors.
In a vehicle, weight, size and package are everything," said Mr. Floyd Marken
of Energy Partners.
Fuel cells, a technology pioneered in the U.S. space program more than 30
years ago, were in the news this week because of a "breakthrough" announced by
the Department of Energy and the Arthur D. Little research consulting firm.
The breakthrough is in "reformer" technology.
The reformer takes readily available gasoline or other fuels and converts
it into the hydrogen required by the fuel cell. An electric motor runs the
fuel cell compressor that forces air through a matrix of membranes and
electrodes and then combines it with the hydrogen. The two react to create
electricity, which in turn can be used to power the compressor motor and drive
the electric motors used to propel the car. The by-product of the reaction is
basically water, so the electric powered cars produce zero emissions.
Despite the press attention given the DOE announcement, Unique Mobility's
Geddes cautioned that although fuel cell technology is continually improving,
additional development is necessary before it is commercially viable for
hybrid and electric vehicles.
Near-term prospects, he believes, exist in electric scooters and bicycles,
which don't require large, heavy battery packs or major investment in charging
infrastructure. Unique, for example, has a joint venture with former Chrysler
Chairman Lee Iacocca to provide motors and electronic controls for an electric
bike that Iacocca's new company, EV Global Motors of Los Angeles, plans to
begin marketing next summer in the U.S. and later in Europe and Asia.
Unique Mobility also has a partnership with several leading manufacturers
in Taiwan to produce electric-powered scooters for the local market and for
export to Asia. In addition, Unique has research and development programs
with large scooter makers in India (Bajaj, the largest in India) and Italy
(Piaggio, maker of famed Vespa scooter) to produce prototype electric scooters
to prepare for this market.
Said Geddes, "Electric transportation technology isn't 5, 10 or 15 years
away. It's available today and when widely adopted, in Asia especially, it
could make a big difference in urban air quality."
Unique Mobility is one of the world's leading developers of power systems
for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. It is a Golden, Colorado, based
engineering concern and manufacturer of high efficiency permanent magnet
motors and controls for automotive, aerospace and industrial applications.
For more information on the Company please visit our world wide web site at
http://www.uqm.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from
those discussed in this release. Factors that could cause or contribute to
such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 23843). These forward-
looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this
release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update
these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Unique Mobility, Inc.
