This message's URL is
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/calcars-news/message/37

EnergyCS and Clean-Tech have unveiled EDrive, LLC, their new company for
Prius retrofits.
See their announcement on their website (so far only one page:
http://www.edrivesystems.com
and their press release
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050502/dam042.html?.v=8
We've also reproduced the release at:
CalCars News: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/calcars-news/message/36
After you've read that news, the following explanation provides the
background and context.

Here's an explanation of CalCars' history and role with EDrive and some
discussion of its significance to the CalCars PRIUS+ Project.

CalCars' completed our lead-acid PRIUS+ prototype in fall 2004. It was the
result of a collaborative effort of many dozens of engineers worldwide,
with many hours of hands-on help and advice from Bay Area electric vehicle
and hybrid experts. We also began getting invaluable advice from
EnergyCS in Monrovia, near Los Angeles, especially from Greg Hanssen (well
known for years in electric vehicle circles), Pete Nortman and the others
at EnergyCS.

After trying a number of approaches, we ended up using EnergyCS's
proprietary battery management system -- and we received help then and
since from EnergyCS far beyond that which was warranted by the relatively
small fees they charged for their hardware and customization.

At the same time, our first prototype and our reports to them on many
issues gave them with additional motivation to get further involved with
the Prius. And not long thereafter, EnergyCS then leapfrogged our efforts,
partnering with Valence Technology, Inc. to build a high-performance
version of PRIUS+. They premiered this vehicle in April in Monaco at the
EVS21 conference. Its first US appearance came today, April 3, at the Clean
Cities Conference in Palm Springs, California.

There's one other part of the story: back in September, at Air Resources
Board hearings on implementation of the Greenhouse Gases (Pavley) bill, we
introduced EnergyCS, Inc. to Seth Seaberg,, CEO of Clean-Tech LLC, a Los
Angeles systems integrator with deep experience in natural gas vehicle
conversions and other advanced vehicle technologies. They began a
collaboration that has resulted in this new entity, EDrive LLC, formed by
EnergyCS and Clean-Tech.

We at CalCars are thrilled at the prospect that, starting in early 2006,
individual and fleet customers will have the opportunity to purchase EDrive
retrofits from such a stellar source. This can be a giant step in
demonstrating the benefits of plug-in or gas-optional hybrids. EDrive's
business success will complement our non-profit efforts -- and we expect
that their their satisfied customers will magnify our impact. We hope many
of those who've been asking CalCars, "when can I get a PRIUS+?" will soon
get answers from EDrive. And we hope fleet purchasers will also begin
realizing GO-HEVs will soon be in their future.

EDrive is using cutting-edge Lithium-Ion batteries. Meanwhile, we are
continuing to develop our plans to upgrade our PRIUS+ to use a Nickel-Metal
Hydride battery pack. (With help from many people in the Conversion Group
and from components suppliers, Ron Gremban continues to do systematic
performance testing of candidate batteries in order to find ones that will
meet our requirements -- he'll soon be reporting on his progress at the
PRIUS+ PHEV Conversion Group (URL below).

We believe our vehicle will provide a response to skeptics within the auto
industry who warn about "unproven batteries." Our next PRIUS+ will use a
battery type that auto makers regard as proven. All current hybrids use
NiMH batteries. And NiMH batteries in production EVs continue to
demonstrate their reliability. For instance, some Toyota RAV4Es have over
125,000 miles on them with no degradation in battery performance -- using
NiMH batteries that were expected to require replacement at 75,000 miles.
We expect that documented performance from both our PRIUS+ and those from
EDrive will help auto makers considering production of GO-HEVs.

So both CalCars and EDrive have our work cut out for us.

EDrive is focused on delivering individual retrofits this fall as they
prepare to scale up for more systems next year.

Here's our current view of CalCars' objectives:

* Position GO-HEVs centrally in national debates on energy and
transportation solutions;
* Get a significant number of high-profile entrepreneurs, celebrities and
early adopters driving converted vehicles -- and talking them up before and
after purchase;
* Develop interest and consolidate demand for GO-HEVs among fleets and
individuals;
* Pass legislation in California and nationally for flexible fleet
requirements and for incentives to buyers and OEMs;
* Attract corporate, foundation and public resources to buy down the
incremental cost of GO-HEVs over conventional hybrids for the first
thousands of vehicles,
* Convince at least one OEM to build production GO-HEVs as a way to improve
its business prospects by getting buyers excited about clean, powerful,
advanced cars.

Thanks for your help and support!

Felix



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Felix Kramer fkramer@...
Founder California Cars Initiative
http://www.calcars.org
PRIUS+ PHEV Conversion Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/priusplus/
CalCars-PHEV Newsletter
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/calcars-news
PO Box 61045 Palo Alto, CA 94306
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