AC Propulsion Enters Two Grid-Connected Cars for 2003 Challenge Bibendum

AC Propulsion Enters Two Grid-Connected Cars
for 2003 Challenge Bibendum

September 15, 2003
San Dimas, CA

AC Propulsion, Inc. will drive two cars to compete in the 2003 Challenge Bibendum organized and hosted by Michelin. Both AC Propulsion entries can plug in for battery charging. Besides reducing emissions, they can reduce the use of imported petroleum by substituting readily available, secure, and domestically produced electricity from the grid. Major automakers no longer produce automobiles for the US market that can plug in to the grid.

To demonstrate the real world readiness of the two cars, Alan Cocconi and Tom Gage, AC Propulsion Chairman and President respectively will drive them 500 miles from AC Propulsion headquarters in San Dimas, California to the Challenge Bibendum test track in Sonoma, California.

The two AC Propulsion prototypes include:

The AC Propulsion tzero electric sports car – The tzero has set the standard for EV performance since 1997. The new super LIght versION uses lithium-ion batteries to reduce weight and increase range. The LiIon tzero sets new standards: 300 mile range on a single charge, 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and 100 mph top speed.

The AC Propulsion Tri-Fuel Hybrid – The Tri-Fuel Hybrid uses only electric propulsion to drive the wheels. A lead-acid battery provides 30 to 40 miles of all-electric range and can be recharged in less than an hour by the onboard 20 kW charger plugged into grid electricity – the first fuel. An onboard low-emission engine-powered generator can sustain battery charge on long trips givng range unconstrained except to stop for gasoline – the second fuel. When the vehicle is parked and plugged in, the generator can send its output back into the grid through the unique AC Propulsion Reductive bi-directional grid interface. To avoid depletion of the gasoline and reduce tailpipe and refueling emissions, in this stationary mode the generator can operate on low-pressure natural gas piped in from the gas main – the third fuel.

CHALLENGE BIBENDUM, considered one of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, was established by the Michelin Group as an objective way to bring together and test the best available technologies for environmentally positive vehicles. The annual event features vehicles from major manufacturers on three continents and brings together all partners in the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers, technical leaders, policy makers, universities and government organizations.