Azure Dynamics Corp. (Vancouver, BC), a developer of hybrid-electric power trains for commercial vehicles, announced that overnight courier company Purolator Courier Ltd. (Canada) has ordered 115 new hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) using powertrains developed by Azure Dynamics, following extensive trials of prototypes of the technology. It is the biggest order to date for Azure Dynamics, which sees the deal as a validation of its hybrid-electric technology, and an opportunity to win further orders from Purolator.
"The 115 hybrid-electric vehicle order is the largest of its kind in the delivery industry," stated Azure Dynamics CEO Campbell Deacon. "We are proud to be associated with Purolator and believe their bold leadership will be instrumental in changing the way the industry does business."
The announcement follows a supply agreement signed by Azure Dynamics and Purolator in September 2003 that called for the replacement of up to 2,000 conventionally fueled delivery vans with vehicles powered with Azure's technology. Azure's hybrid-electric systems incorporate an electric motor, batteries, and an internal combustion engine. The hybrids are designed to switch between energy sources in the most efficient way given the specific conditions. Manufacturing of commercial quantities of the powertrains, and assembly of the vehicles using those power trains, will be outsourced to other companies. Financial terms of the Purolator order were not disclosed.
