Trans-Atlantic Joint Venture to Build Zero-Emission Vehicles In New York City
2 February 1999
Trans-Atlantic Joint Venture to Build Zero-Emission Vehicles In New York City
NEW YORK--Feb. 2, 1999--A joint venture to build non-polluting electric vehicles in New York City was announced today in Manhattan by the British/Belgian company Zevco and the U.S. company EVX.
Zevco and EVX will replace the engines of traditional internal combustion electric engines powers by Zevco's fuel cell. Manufacturing will begin at a pilot plant in New York City in six months with a full-production facility expected to provide significant levels of local employment-planned to go on-line in the year 2002.
A fully-functioning prototype, Zevco's zero-emission "Millennium Taxi" was demonstrated today in a ceremony in Manhattan. Joining Zevco and EVX executives at today's launch were Jeffrey Ling, Her Majesty's Consul General in New York, Judd Hirsch, star of the popular television program "Taxi," and Mark Morris, London's Cab Driver of the Year for 1998. This prototype vehicle has the same performance as the traditional diesel version London taxi, but is non-polluting, virtually silent, and is significantly cheaper to run.
"EVX was formed to convert existing vehicles from the internal combustion engines to electric power," said Malcom Bricklin of EVX Inc. "One way to do that is to remove the existing engine and replace it with advanced fuel cell technology. Our goal was to find the best alternative source of energy to the combustion engine and that is what Zevco provides and that is why Zevco has been chosen as the Supplier of fuel cell engines for EVX."
Nicholas Abson, Chief Executive of Zevco said, "This is a great opportunity for both companies. Not only are we at Zevco delighted that EVX has chosen our technology but we look forward to working with them to produce environmentally sound vehicles right here in New York City."
This is the latest in a number of collaborations Zevco, based in Kent, England, is undertaking to ensure that engines powered by fuel cells provide a realistic alternative to the traditional diesel engine. Zevco is collaborating in feasibility studies and building production prototypes with blue-chip companies to produce airport service vehicles, fork lift trucks and white delivery vans, powered by fuel cells. Zevco is due to provide the first fuel cell powered electric van ever sold to Westminster Council, London in March.
Zevco was founded in 1992 to advance the development of fuel cells as a practical source of power for city vehicles like taxis and vans. Fuel cell technology, combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce electric power without any pollution, has been used by spacecraft for the last thirty years.
