Echo Automotive, Inc., a developer of technologies enabling the cost-effective aftermarket addition of fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid capability to new or existing vehicles, announced the signing of a supply agreement with Remy International (Remy), the leader in electric motors for electric and hybrid applications, that secures supply of critical components for the Company's EchoDrive plug-in hybrid system.
"Remy has over 100,000 electric motors on the road with over 2 billion miles today and over 10 years of electric traction motor production. OEMs, system integrators and end users trust and respect the Remy brand and have confidence in Remy's proven reliability and durability," said Jason Plotke, Chairman and President, Echo Automotive. "This supply agreement ensures that Echo can continue to incorporate the power and efficiency of Remy patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) components into our EchoDrive system. Additionally, this partnership demonstrates our commitment to working with industry leaders to bring EchoDrive to market and the utmost confidence to our customers. We are extremely pleased to have Remy as a strategic partner."
In addition to ensuring the supply of industry-leading components for the EchoDrive plug-in hybrid system, which is scheduled for production later this year, the agreement formalizes the development of an advanced induction motor system, Echo Induction Machine, that will be assembled and distributed by Echo Automotive and available to system integrators.
The Echo Induction machine is a complete advanced induction motor system designed to deliver outstanding power density, efficiency and durability through an integrated stator and rotor pairing with an optimized inverter control. This unique machine will offer a safer and more affordable alternative to other motor types in many light-to-medium-duty applications within the automotive industry and beyond.
"The Echo development team understands the demands of their technologies and their uses, and is specifying proven components like our Remy motor that enhance the efficiency and robustness of EchoDrive," said Jay Pittas, Chief Executive Officer, Remy, Inc. "The company clearly sees an opportunity to create new revenue streams by introducing their advanced technologies to other OEMs and integrators. We are excited about what Echo and Remy can do together and the impact we can make in our markets."
Remy components are currently in use in the EchoDrive beta system, and will be included in the EchoDrive production units scheduled for delivery later this year. The Echo Induction Motor will be available separately through EchoSolutions. Orders are being accepted now.
