Dow Kokam and Safra Collaborate to Bring Revolutionary Hybrid Buses to European Streets

STRASBOURG, France, Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dow Kokam announced today during the National Days of Public Transportation, an agreement to supply advanced lithium-ion battery systems to Safra, a hybrid bus manufacturer in France. Dow Kokam will provide advanced battery system solutions to Safra's Businova. Businova is a revolutionary urban bus powered by a multi-hybrid engine that draws from three energy sources: an electric engine, a hydraulic motor and combustion engine that work together to automatically power the vehicle. The propulsion system allows for a dramatically more energy-efficient vehicle, and reduces the consumption of diesel by more than 55 percent compared to conventional buses. The Businova will begin test operations in the French towns of Albi and Toulouse starting in 2012.  

"Safra has unveiled a truly revolutionary product with its multi-hybrid system that will combine the best of electric, hydraulic and combustion engines reducing emissions dramatically while providing a solution that will save bus operators in Europe time and costs," said Jean Francois Herchin, Vice President of Dow Kokam. "Dow Kokam provides Safra leading battery system solutions, reliable supply and European-based sales and service aimed at supporting Safra in its growth plans with Businova as well as further product expansions."

Safra selected Dow Kokam's superior advanced battery technology to power the electric engine of Businova's multi-hybrid engine due to its proven performance. Dow Kokam will supply both a 105 kWh hour lithium-ion battery system and a 35 kWh auxiliary battery system to power the Businova's e-motor. The multi-hybrid technology provides an eco-friendly low energy consumption answer to traditional fossil fuel powered buses, that is easy to use and maintain which will help reduce the total cost of ownership for bus operators over the vehicle's life-span.  

"Safra partnered with Dow Kokam to power our unique multi-hybrid engine because of its 10 years proven advanced lithium-ion battery technology, reliability of its technology and the company's insight and knowledge of the unique demands and needs of hybrid buses," said Vincent Lemaire, President, Safra. "Safra, in partnership with Dow Kokam's cutting edge technology, offers ready solutions for the next generation of buses today."

Unlike other buses, the Businova has been designed to offer a new experience for passengers and drivers. The Businova complies with the current bus standards of low-floor, easy boarding for wheelchair users and people with restricted mobility. The multi-hybrid engine of the Businova is located under the 'glass rotunda,' which will allow passengers a quiet ride while also providing access for a panoramic rear view.

Dow Kokam batteries bring the reliability of more than 10 years of proven performance in demanding applications and have been adopted as the primary source of energy in high performance applications in industries ranging from transportation, marine, aerospace, defense and high-end industrial products.

About Dow Kokam

Dow Kokam brings technologically advanced and economically viable battery solutions to the transportation, defense, industrial and medical industries.  Uniting Dow, Kokam America and Dassault SVE creates the first battery and energy management systems manufacturer to combine viable, scalable large-format battery technology with the market franchise, manufacturing expertise and market knowledge necessary to become the clear partner of choice across industries.

Dow Kokam was established in 2009 to develop and manufacture advanced energy storage technologies for the transportation and other industries. The company is owned by The Dow Chemical Company, TK Advanced Battery LLC and Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault.

About Safra

SAFRA (Societe Albigeoise de Fabrication et Reparation Automobile), a family business, was founded in 1955 by Roger BODOIRA whose prime vocation was coach-building.

SAFRA has three distinct activities:

• The Body Shop department specializes in car repairs (paint and bodywork) and breakdown service for all types and makes of light vehicles, whether privately owned, professional fleets or leased.
• The Commercial Body Shop specializes in the provision of equipment, the fitting out and heavy maintenance of urban passenger transport vehicles. Specializing in the renovation of standard and articulated buses, SAFRA has recently extended its expertise to the rail sector: trams, undergrounds and rail carriages.
• The Shop fitting Workshop specializes in the fitting out of service industry areas (shops, workplaces...) as well as special vehicles.

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SOURCE Dow Kokam