Jul 26 2009
Balqon Corporation (OTCBB:BLQN), an emerging developer and manufacturer of zero emissions heavy-duty electric vehicles for Class 7 and Class 8 applications, today announced the release of lithium-ion batteries as an alternative to lead acid traction batteries for its entire product line of Class 8 yard tractors and drayage vehicles.
In May 2009, Balqon received a $400,000 grant from the Port of Los Angeles to install lithium-ion powered battery packs in its yard tractor and drayage truck products. In June 2009, Balqon completed assembly of a Nautilus E30 retrofitted with lithium ion battery packs. Initial testing of this Nautilus E30 demonstrated a range of over 150 miles on a single charge under unloaded conditions at 80% depth of discharge. The new lithium-ion battery packs include the Company’s battery management system which allows batteries to be fast charged and self equalize during idle operation.
“A public/private partnership among the Port of Los Angeles, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Balqon that began in May 2007 to demonstrate 25 mph, 30 mile range zero emissions vehicles with a 30 ton capacity has now reached mainstream cargo transportation applications in a short two year time period,” said Mr. Balwinder Samra, President and CEO of Balqon Corporation. “The speed of innovation in battery, charger and propulsion technology has accelerated with increased demand for electric vehicles during the past year,” he added.
Balqon recently signed an agreement with Autocar, LLC to collaborate on the development, marketing and sale of on-road Class 7 and Class 8 zero emissions electric trucks to be used in short haul drayage and trash hauling applications. Examples of the vehicles that may be developed in collaboration with Autocar include refuse haulers, refueling trucks and construction vehicles for use in short haul drayage applications at ports and cargo transportation in inner city applications.