Torrance, CA – Nov. 16, 2011 – Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) and Enova
Systems Inc. (NYSE AMEX: ENA and AIM: ENV and ENVS), a leading developer of proprietary
hybrid-electric and all-electric drive systems and drive system components for the emerging
green commercial vehicle market, today launched a program to make electric vehicles more
accessible to fleets.
The Green for FreeTM program allows fleet executives to purchase all-electric vehicles for the
cost of a diesel-powered commercial vehicle. The savings fleets incur from the reduced
maintenance and fuel savings of the electric vehicles (EVs) is then used over a period of time to
cover the incremental expense for the technology.
The Green for FreeTM program will utilize the FCCC All-Electric Walk-in Van (WIV) chassis
powered by the Enova drive system. Fleets with set routes in pickup and delivery applications
are ideal for the Green for FreeTM program because they have predictable drive routes and
return each night to the company depot. FCCC is already well-established in the market and
can provide immediate volume, which is required to reduce high-cost components, such as
batteries. Additionally, the project looks to focus on disciplined duty cycles, utilizing 80 percent
of the battery daily, versus design for extended range.
“FCCC and Enova recognize that the Green For FreeTM program is necessary in order to make
all-electric vehicles more affordable, and therefore more accessible, to fleets,” said Bob Harbin,
FCCC president. “We want to help those fleets interested in reducing their energy consumption
and environmental impact by enabling them to purchase more alternative-fuel vehicles at one
time because of the reduced upfront costs.”
The commercial vehicle market has relied on government funding for alternative-fuel vehicles
with some success. However, this is the first program that will eliminate the overall incremental
costs associated with buying and operating an all-electric vehicle, making the program attractive
to fleets that are both large and small.
FCCC and Enova plan to deploy a total of 3,000 alternative-fuel vehicles within a two-year time
frame beginning no later than the third quarter 2012 as a result of the Green for FreeTM
program.
Enova and FCCC developed an integration method for both new and retrofit applications.
FCCC’s all-electric chassis is built upon the FCCC MT-45 chassis – known for its durability and
GVWR of 14,000 to 19,500 lbs. – which is capable of handling heavy payloads. FCCC
maintains a dominant market share in the WIV chassis market, which it expects to continue to
expand.
“This business model has the potential to stimulate tremendous and rapid growth, helping
achieve economies of scale through cost reduction, resulting in an excellent value proposition
for the commercial fleet operator,” said Mike Staran, Enova President and CEO. “Enova has
been delivering proven electric drive systems to a diverse set of domestic and international
customers and has the distinction of seeing more of its green drive systems on the road than
any of its competitors. The company continues to build on more than 20 years of innovation and
traces its roots back to General Motors’ EV1 electric car.”
FCCC was the first chassis manufacturer to bring the hybrid-electric vehicle and all-electric
vehicle to market.
About Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation:
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation manufactures premium chassis for the motorhome,
delivery walk-in van, and school bus and shuttle bus markets. Freightliner Custom Chassis
Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.
On the Internet:
Visit the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation website at www.freightlinerchassis.com for
additional FCCC news and product information.
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 its Web site at
http://www.enovasystems.com.
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