ONEONTA, NY – Ioxus, Inc., a manufacturer of ultracapacitor technology for transportation, alternative energy, medical, industrial and consumer product markets, announced it is providing ultracapacitors to ElectroMotive Design LLC (EMD), an engineering services company and a manufacturer of hybrid-electric conversion systems for Class 2 through 8 buses and trucks. Ioxus’ ultracapacitors are the primary energy storage technology used in EMD’s fuel-saving hybrid-electric technology called emDRIVE.

EMD’s emDRIVE hybrid conversion system offers a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for fleet operators to combat rising fuel prices and meet government fuel economy regulations, according to the company. Ultracapacitor technology enhances the operation of emDRIVE as compared to previously used energy storage solutions. According to the company, EMD chose Ioxus’ 3,000F iCAP cell as the core energy storage solution in its emDRIVE hybrid conversion system because it has the lowest weight, lowest equivalent series resistance (ESR), and highest power density available in the market. Ultracapacitors can handle more than one million charge and discharge cycles and offer a longer lifespan than batteries, allowing EMD to meet customers’ demands for a low-cost solution that is easy to install and reduces operating costs.

With a high cycle life, a high charge acceptance rate of 95 percent, wide temperature operating range and instantaneous recharge, ultracapacitors are an ideal energy storage solution for hybrid-electrical applications, according to Ioxus. Ultracapacitors are the only technology able to capture the high peak power levels of a regenerative braking event in a compact, low-weight package. EMD’s emDRIVE, with the help of Ioxus ultracapacitors, extends the life of brake pads anywhere from 50 to 100 percent. With increased fuel mileage and reduced maintenance requirements, many EMD customers will see a payback in two to three years.