Motiv Power Systems Runs All-Electric Bus On Two Separate Battery Types

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past six months, Motiv Power Systems has successfully run its demo all-electric bus on two different off-the-shelf battery types, demonstrating the universal battery compatibility of its electric Powertrain Control System (ePCS).  This EV innovation reduces both time and expense in the design of new EV trucks and buses.  The bus clocked up to 125 miles on a single charge, with operating costs at $0.10/mile, 83% less than an equivalent diesel vehicle.  By using modular hardware and software reconfiguration, the ePCS eliminates time and cost related to engineering and testing for different battery configurations, making the ePCS a battery agnostic technology for any EV truck or bus.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120912/SF70812 )

Motiv CEO Jim Castelaz will present the full set of findings at HTUF 2012 the Hybrid, Electric and Advanced Truck Users Forum in Charlotte, NC on September 18 (1:30–3:00 PM).  Motiv will display the all-electric demo bus in booth #516 September 18-19, and in the HTUF Ride and Drive on September 20.

Data to be presented at this session was acquired by the Motiv ePCS, using Motiv's Android-based Remote Telemetry System (RTS).  This RTS is unique to the industry as it provides real-time, secure, wireless data connectivity of the shuttle bus with the Motiv cloud.  The RTS monitors operations such as performance, battery charge, route, component health and vehicle status to provide detailed analytics to fleet operators for predictive maintenance and service.

"We are thrilled to show the EV truck industry this next generation of electric trucks and buses," said Castelaz.  "The Motiv demo bus is the first all-electric vehicle to feature this level of detail in real-time monitoring, as well as function with two different sets of batteries in a single powertrain.  This demonstrates the mix-and-match component feature of the ePCS and allows for battery sets to be compared in real world environments."

Rather than offer a single electric truck model with limited component selection, the Motiv ePCS works with a wide range of batteries, motors, and chassis.  This flexibility allows fleets to choose their battery vendors, as well as vehicle range and power.  Through its intelligent software control algorithms, Motiv's ePCS actively manages power flow between all electrical components in the vehicle.

"Our system takes the risk out of going electric for your medium-duty truck fleet," said Castelaz.  "It's a system that supports the current diesel truck chassis OEM's ecosystem.  Fleets are free to spec the exact type of vehicle they want and work with their trusted chassis vendors."

The Motiv demo bus was built for Bauer Transportation under an award from the California Energy Commission.

ABOUT MOTIV POWER SYSTEMS
Founded in 2009, Motiv Power Systems designs and builds a flexible electric Powertrain Control System (ePCS) for the commercial truck and bus industries.  Motiv's ePCS works with a wide variety of batteries and motors.  This flexibility allows traditional truck chassis OEMs to assemble electric trucks on their current diesel truck assembly lines. Electric trucks equipped with Motiv's ePCS can offer over 100 miles range and a total cost of ownership 50% less than a diesel truck over an 8 year period.  Motiv's ePCS is available for commercial trucks, shuttle buses and delivery vehicles.  Motiv is located in Foster City, CA.

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SOURCE Motiv Power Systems