UQM Technologies announced that the company will be providing the systems that Audi will be testing in its A1 e-tron extended range electric vehicles. UQM’s PowerPhase systems will be used in testing that will occur through 2013 in Germany’s National Platform of Electrification; the NPE is promoting this program to demonstrate and further develop the viability of electric vehicles.

Longmont, CO-based UQM is focused on developing and manufacturing power-dense, high-efficiency electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, commercial truck, bus, marine, and military markets. In addition, UQM is developing propulsion systems for electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Extended-range vehicles rely on the electric powertrain for propulsion and use an internal combustion engine to charge the battery pack. For example, the Audi A1 e-tron extended-range all-electric test-fleet vehicles use UQM PowerPhase Select 125 systems to drive the wheels at all times. The combustion engine in the car is used to generate electricity to extend the range as needed. The maximum all-electric range of the A1 e-tron is 30 miles (50 km), while the maximum combined range in the New European Driving Cycle is 155 miles (250 km).

Eric R. Ridenour, President and CEO of UQM, said, “The key attributes of our electric motors and controllers offer the same advantages in extended-range electric vehicles as they do in electric-only applications. Our higher efficiency systems provide the potential for longer all-electric mode and an overall improved fuel economy in extended-range vehicles.”

For more information, visit www.uqm.com

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