AQMD Tests Valence/EnergyCS PHEVs

Valence Technology Inc. of Austin, Texas, has collaborated with EnergyCS of Monrovia, California, to deliver two electric vehicles to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The AQMD is testing the Valence U-Charge® powered plug-ins to gain further awareness of the benefits of plug-in technology. AQMD's pre-commercial plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is based on a demonstrator kit designed for the 2004 - 2007 model year Toyota Prius. The vehicle is outfitted with Valence Li-ion rechargeable batteries and custom monitoring and control electronics designed by EnergyCS to increase zero emissions miles and double the fuel economy. Valence's Saphion® 9kWh lithium-ion battery pack will replace the Prius's original nickel metal hydride battery, extending the energy storage by 18 times. Specific tests include evaluation of the battery performance and life, maintenance and expansion of the EV mode, fuel economy compared to a conventional HEV and driver experience. Once fully tested, the demonstration phase will apply the PHEV technology to other test vehicles to ensure the emissions are maintained at super-ultra-low emission vehicle levels.