Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. ("Quantum") (Nasdaq:QTWW - News) announced that it has received a contract for engineering and implementing production tooling for the Fisker Karma solar photovoltaic roof module. Under this contract Quantum and its German solar affiliate Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH ("Asola") will design and procure production tooling to enable production of solar roof modules beginning in Q4 2010. Under the terms of an already executed supply arrangement, Quantum will be the exclusive supplier of solar roof modules for the Fisker Karma.
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.