Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide today announced that its strategic partner in lithium-ion battery systems, Advanced Lithium Power Inc. (ALP), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a leading Chinese automaker to jointly develop battery-dominant propulsion systems for passenger vehicles, with the goal of establishing a cooperative venture to commercialize products globally.

ALP has developed breakthrough energy and power management technologies, including advanced control strategies for lithium-ion cell balancing and thermal management, resulting in battery packs of unprecedented power density, energy density, safety, and durability. The Quantum-ALP team was recently selected by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to engineer and supply a fleet of plug-in-hybrid vehicles based on the Ford Escape Hybrid, for application in Southern California.

"Our strategic partnership with ALP enables us to provide fully-integrated powertrain solutions, including advanced energy storage solutions. This joint project with the Chinese automaker advances our commercialization strategy as a one-stop shop for automotive energy storage solutions," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum.

"This project will accelerate the translation our innovative battery technologies into fully validated commercial products for our automotive OEM customers."