CT&T Korea Ltd. announced plans for e-Zone and c-Zone electric vehicle production in the United States with plans to employ 2,600, including production workers and managers, over the next five years.
CT&T United, the U.S. subsidiary of CT&T Korea, states that it is investing significantly to maintain its global position in the move toward consumer use of electric vehicles by establishing its North American headquarters, a research and development center and several manufacturing facilities to produce and market an entire product line of EVs and batteries. Company officials are considering potential sites in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and California.
In making the announcement, CT&T president and CEO Young Gi Lee said, "While we are reviewing a number of locations for our operations, we are committed to having a major presence in the Southeastern and West Coast regions."
CT&T United will produce and market city drive electrical vehicles (EVs), mid-speed electric vehicles, high-speed electric vehicles, utility electric vehicles, as well as batteries in the lead acid, advanced lead acid, lithium polymer and lithium-ion categories for domestic and export markets.
"We are accelerating our plans to become a major investor in zero emissions vehicle technologies in the U.S.," said Lee. "CT&T has become a category leader because of our advanced technology, plus we offer a solution to the primary barrier to consumer adoption of electric vehicles by offering EVs at affordable prices."
By the fourth quarter of 2009, the company expects to begin selling c-Zone utility EVs for commercial and government applications as well the e-Zone City Drive EVs. Vehicles will range in price from US$8,000 to $16,000 fully equipped. CT&T United recently submitted proposals to work with the Department of Energy to accelerate the implementation of battery, electric motor drive and electric vehicle technologies. DOE is expected to announce their plans regarding these proposals later this summer.
CT&T works in four battery platforms by co-operatively manufacturing with Korean partners SK Energy, Sebang, EIG Corp., LG Chemical Corp., FCP, and Samsung. Specifically, the company works in lead acid, lithium polymer, fuel cell (FCP) and lithium-ion battery systems.
