Optare Picks Valence as Exclusive Battery Supplier for Solo Electric Bus
20 May 2010
UK-based Optare PLC, a manufacturer of single and double-deck buses and mini coaches, has selected Valence Technology to be the exclusive supplier of batteries for its newest zero-emissions fleet bus, the fully electric Optare Solo EV. (Earlier post.)
Valence Technology has signed a three-year exclusive supply agreement with Optare, representing up to $3.8 million in battery system sales for Valence.
The Optare Solo EV bus features a 600-Volt Valence Technology U-Charge lithium phosphate battery system that powers the electric drivetrain. Housed on either side of the centrally mounted drivetrain, the Valence Technology advanced battery banks provide a total capacity of 85 kWh and can be recharged through regenerative braking while in transit, and plug-in power while at base.
Compared to fleet vehicles powered by traditional fuels, the Optare Solo EV electric buses stand to save local governments significant costs in routine maintenance each year.
Will be very interesting to see how all the money the UK is pumping into the green buses helps adoption of evs. Optare seems like they are are in a good position to take advantage of it.
-paul
For more EV news also check out:
http://theecogiftsource.typepad.com/valence_technology_news/
Posted by: The Eco Gift Source | 20 May 2010 at 07:33 AM