IRVINE, CA - Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. announced it has received a contract to deliver 100-plus plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) pickup truck fleet vehicles powered by Dow Kokam lithium ion battery technology to The Dow Chemical Company.

Quantum developed the new hybrid drive system “Quantum F-Drive” specifically for the Ford F-150 pickup truck. Quantum’s research and development group designed the system to meet the demanding truck applications of America’s largest fleet operators and to provide a mission-ready solution to meet President Barack Obama’s goal of converting the Federal government’s vehicle fleet to hybrid, electric, and other alternative-fuel vehicles.

“Quantum is proud to be partnering with The Dow Chemical Company to launch the PHEV F-150 truck,” said Alan Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum Technologies. “We are excited and impressed by Dow’s progressive thinking, environmental stewardship, and willingness to lead.”

“Dow is a recognized leader in sustainability, as demonstrated by our 2015 Sustainability Goals to reduce energy consumption and emissions, as well as in our mission to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress by providing sustainable solutions, like solar shingles and battery components for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles,” said Dave Kepler, Dow’s executive vice president, Business Services and chief sustainability officer. “By converting approximately 5 percent of our U.S. truck fleet to PHEV battery technology, we are driving the adoption of energy alternatives beyond existing boundaries while we work to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuel for fleet operations.”

F-150 PHEV Technical Specifications

The F-Drive system provides a unique combination of low operating costs through substantially increased fuel efficiency, reliability, low maintenance cost, emission reduction benefits and extended range capability. Ideal for fleet vehicle driving characteristics, the F-150 PHEV has a 35 mile electric-only range, shifting to hybrid-electric mode thereafter for a total range of more than 400 miles.

Providing the energy and power balance required for demanding fleet applications, the 20 kWh Dow Kokam battery enables delivery of the required vehicle range in addition to speeds of up to 85 mph and 0-60 MPH acceleration in less than 12 seconds.

The F-Drive system has been integrated in the F-150 truck causing no impingement into the cab or cargo bed and maintaining full ground clearance. The fleet vehicles, incorporating Quantum’s F-Drive, will meet Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards (FMVSS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions requirements, and incorporate Dow Kokam lithium Ion batteries.

“Quantum and Dow Kokam are cooperating to bring some of the first PHEV, light-duty fleet vehicles to market that truly meet the performance demands and cost payback requirements of corporate fleets,” said Chuck Reardon, commercial vice president, Dow Kokam. “This is possible because Dow Kokam’s advanced battery technology and Quantum’s expert vehicle engineering are capable today of delivering the performance necessary to meet the needs of visionary companies like Dow.”