Zytek Electric Powertrains for US Government Program

British electric vehicle drivetrains Zytek had received the green light from an US Government-backed electric commercial vehicle program, in order to supply the Navistar and Modec with 70 kW electric powertrains. Under the terms of the deal, they will be used in a range of electric delivery vehicles being developed for the North, Central and South American markets.

Thanks a $39 million US Government grant, the vehicles will be manufactured by a new joint venture company between the US truck supplier Navistar and British electric commercial vehicle specialist Modec.

The e-drive system will provide the basis for electric vehicle development as it allows fast integration with new or existing platforms. This had already been proven by an integration of a number of units as part of Modec’s existing range and within Daimler’s smart ed program. Moreover, Zytek has also provided technology and integration expertise for General Motors and Chrysler.

The Modec/Navistar application will be for a new generation of class 2c-3 vehicles destined for the suburban/urban pick and drop use. The new vehicle will use a 70kW, 300Nm version of Zytek’s e-drive with the grant helping to fund the development of an initial batch of 400 vehicles during 2010.

“An EV’s operating characteristics bring far more than zero emissions at the point of deployment,” commented Zytek’s sales and marketing director Steve Tremble, who thinks that electric vehicles present a compelling solution for stop-start drive cycles.

“A thoroughly engineered vehicle will bring substantial fuel savings, combined with high productivity, near silent operation and very low maintenance costs. E-Drive allows vehicle manufacturers to enter this market quickly with an electric drivetrain that provides the interfaces and functionality required to meet the most demanding technical and customer requirements,” he added.