Quantum and Asola have developed one of the largest monolithic automotive solar roofs in the world that involves complex double curvature, for the Karma. The Quantum-Asola team has developed proprietary technologies and processes to integrate high efficiency solar cells on extreme curvature substrates, while ensuring product durability under the demanding automotive service conditions. The solar roof module is designed to generate approximately 130 watts of clean renewable electricity, that helps keep Karma’s interior cool while parked in the sun, and trickle charge a 12V ancillary battery when the car is parked for long durations.
"This large solar photovoltaic roof is a signature feature of the Fisker Karma luxury high performance plug-in hybrid electric sedan," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, the President and CEO of Quantum.
"We are pleased that Fisker Automotive is quickly moving this technology forward to production by the end of this year, and plan to ramp up to volume production starting in early calendar year 2011," said Reinhard Wecker, founder and CEO of Asola.
In May, 2010, Quantum announced that it has signed a definitive Supply Agreement with Fisker Automotive to supply key components and control systems for the Q-Drive? powertrain system that is being incorporated in the Fisker Karma. Quantum will also receive a royalty payment on each Karma that incorporates Quantum’s Q-Drive. Fisker Automotive, an American green car company that Quantum co-founded, closed a Department of Energy loan for $528.7 million in April 2010. This DOE loan to Fisker will be used for the development and production of two models of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including the Karma, a four door sports sedan, and a line of family-oriented models being developed under Fisker’s Project Nina program.
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. is a fully integrated alternative energy company. Quantum’s wholly owned subsidiary, Schneider Power Inc., complements Quantum’s emerging renewable energy presence through the development and ownership of wind and solar farms. Quantum’s portfolio of technologies includes electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, hydrogen storage and metering systems, and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and natural gas vehicles. Quantum’s customer base includes automotive OEMs, dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.
Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH produces and markets high-quality silicon-based photovoltaic modules that comprise mono-crystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells. Asola’s technologies include high output and high efficiency flat modules for residential and industrial applications, and specialized spherical modules for automotive applications. Asola is presently developing for Fisker Automotive’s Fisker Karma vehicle, the most spherically-bent solar car roof in the world.
Fisker Automotive, co-founded by Quantum and Fisker Coachbuild, is a privately owned, premium American car company with a vision to lead the automotive industry into the next-generation of automobiles with high-end design expertise and eco-friendly powertrain technology. Global headquarters is in Irvine, California, USA. The company was created in 2007 to leverage the design capabilities of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, founded by auto design veterans Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, and the PHEV powertrain capabilities of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. Previously, Fisker, CEO, was design director for Aston Martin and president and CEO of BMW’s DesignworksUSA. Koehler, COO, led operations for Ford’s Global Advanced Design Studio and created concept cars for Aston Martin, MINI and BMW.
