Enova Systems, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: ENA) (AIM: ENV) (AIM: ENVS), a leading
developer of proprietary hybrid electric and all-electric drive systems
and drive system components for the emerging green commercial vehicle
market, is pleased to announce that it has delivered 4 incremental 120kW
drive systems to Optare Plc for integration into their Solo Electric
Bus. Optare has chosen Enova as the production drive system supplier for
their all electric buses. Optare designs, manufactures and sells single
deck and double deck buses and mini coaches. Its buses operate in the
UK, Continental Europe, and North America.
Mike Staran, Enova President and CEO said, “Despite the industry
downturn, Enova continues to ship product to core and incremental
customers. We will continue this path as well as mature other
initiatives that are intended to improve distribution channels.”
Additionally, and announced on March 23, 2012, commuters and bus
passengers across England will see more eco-friendly buses on the roads,
congestion reduced and services upgraded, thanks to a new £101 million
package of improvements approved by Local Transport Minister Norman
Baker. Five bus manufacturers will benefit from orders for their
eco-friendly hybrid, electric and gas buses. They comprise: Volvo,
Wrightbus, Optare, MAN and Alexander Dennis Limited, all of which are
based in, or partly in, the UK.
Based on the award-winning Solo low-floor bus, of which over 4,000 are
in service worldwide, the Solo EV produces zero tailpipe emissions. The
model is based on a standard 27-seat 8.8 meter Solo, but the technology
can be used on other models in the Optare range with higher passenger
capacities. The Solo EV has been designed to perform exactly like a
standard diesel powered bus, except that it is smoother, quieter and
cleaner. It is completely traffic compatible, with good acceleration and
hill climbing capabilities and a top speed of up to 90 km/hour. On a
full charge it has a range of around 110-130 kilometers depending on
load factors and topography.
Recently Optare announced that their long term future has been secured
due to a refinancing agreement. The deal involved Ashok Leyland
increasing its holding in Optare to 75.1% allowing Optare to become
fully integrated in Ashok’s ambitious global bus strategy which seeks to
maintain and improve on its top fifth place amongst the world’s bus
makers. Ashok Leyland is the flagship of the Hinduja Group and a leading
Indian commercial vehicle manufacturing company based in Chennai,
selling approximately 94,000 vehicles and about 17,000 engines annually
and is the second largest commercial vehicle company in India in the
medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment, with a market share of
about 25.7% in 2010/2011. Ashok is a market leader in the Indian bus
market selling over 23,000 buses annually. The sales turnover of Ashok
in 2010-11 was US $ 2.5 billion. Ashok has seven plants in India, one in
the Czech Republic and one in the Middle East with a current global
capacity of over 150,000 buses and trucks. In 2006 Ashok became the
first automobile company in India to achieve the internationally
renowned TS16949 certification.
About Enova:
Enova Systems (http://www.enovasystems.com)
is a leading supplier of efficient, environmentally friendly digital
power components and systems products. The Company’s core competencies
are focused on the development and commercialization of power management
and conversion systems for mobile applications. Enova applies unique
‘enabling technologies’ in the areas of alternative energy propulsion
systems for light and heavy-duty vehicles as well as power conditioning
and management systems for distributed generation systems. The Company
develops, designs and produces non-invasive drive systems and related
components for electric, hybrid-electric, and fuel cell powered vehicles
in both the “new” and “retrofit” vehicle sales market. For further
information, contact Enova Systems directly, or visit our Web sites at www.enovasystems.com.
