Quantum Awarded $30M Contract to Supply Key Components and Sub-Systems Related to Q-Drive Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Systems for Fisker
| Powertrain for the Karma. Source: Fisker Automotive. Click to enlarge. |
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. has received a $30-million purchase order for supplying key components and subsystems related to Quantum’s proprietary Q-Drive powertrain systems for the Fisker Karma production program under the terms of its supply agreement.
Under this first-release production purchase order, Quantum will supply components and systems to support the early vehicle builds that will ramp up to production volumes in 2011. Quantum recently signed a Supply Agreement with Fisker Automotive to supply key components and control systems for the Q-Drive powertrain system that is being incorporated into the Fisker Karma plug-in series hybrid.
Fisker Automotive, co-founded by Quantum and Fisker Coachbuild, closed a Department of Energy (DOE) loan for $528.7 million in April 2010. (Earlier post.) This DOE loan to Fisker will be used for the development and production of two models of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including the Karma, a four-door sports sedan, and a line of family-oriented models being developed under Fisker’s Project Nina program.
The Q-Drive for Karma uses a mid-mounted 20 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack capable of delivering a peak power of 200 kW (500 Amps at 400 Volts) throughout the charge-depleting range of operation. Fisker Automotive entered a multi-year battery supply agreement with A123 Systems for the Karma program earlier this year. (Earlier post.)
Fisker Karma utilizes an Ecotec 2.0-liter direct injected turbocharged 4 cylinder gasoline engine developing 191 kW (260 hp) as the range extender. Top speed is 125 mph (200 km/h) with 0-60 mph acceleration of 5.8 seconds.
Dual rear electric motors deliver a combined 300 kW (408 hp) and a peak torque of 1300 N·m (959 ft-lbs) of torque to the input of the differential.
Quantum’s proprietary controls software is loaded into a high capacity vehicle control unit to handle real time control of multiple powertrain systems including regenerative braking with ABS communication, stability/traction control, engine/generator power delivery, traction motor/propulsion system, vehicle auxiliary systems and control inputs, power management between battery and on-board power generation and on-board diagnostics functionality.
The Q-Drive in Fisker Karma is complemented by a solar photovoltaic roof module that generates renewable electricity, for further reduction in CO2 emissions and improvement in fuel economy. The solar roof module was designed by Quantum and Quantum’s partner Asola . Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, and comprises 4 electrically separate zones, each consisting of 20 crystalline silicon cells in series.
Tags: control, Fisker, powertrain system, powertrain systems, quantum fuel systems technologies worldwide inc, Supply
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