Apollo Energy Systems
Apollo Energy Systems is a U.S. multinational alternative energy corporation headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida that develops, produces and markets fuel cell power plants, electric propulsion systems, and alternative energy generation equipment. The company was founded in 1966 as the Electric Fuel Propulsion Corporation (EFP) in New Orleans, Louisiana. It later became known as the Electric Auto Corporation (EAC), and in 2001 changed to Apollo Energy Systems.[1]
| Industry | alternative energy |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Electric Fuel Propulsion Corporation Electric Auto Corporation |
| Founded | 1966 in New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
| Products | Alkaline fuel cells, batteries |
| Divisions | Electric Propulsion Apollo Power |
Vehicles
Since the 1960s, the company's propulsion systems have powered over two thousand vehicles. These have been American and European automotive platforms, while the others have been of the company's own brand of vehicles, including Mars I and II, Mars Van, Transformer I, Silver Volt I. The company's newer vehicles included Mars III, Silver Volt II and GT, and the air supported vehicle ASV I.
In 1966, the company built and tested the Mars I electric car using a tri-polar lead-cobalt battery.[1] The Mars I was based on a Renault Dauphine and was equipped with a 96-volt power source. On August 15, 1966, the Shilstone Testing Laboratory conducted a road test from New Orleans to Empire, LA and back. The results included a useful cruising range of 120.3 miles and a top speed of 52 mph, with an acceleration from 0 to 40 mph in 10 seconds.[2] This demonstrated that the Mars I was suitable for city driving, and led to EPF's sudden move to Detroit, where automobiles were manufactured. Only one Mars I was ever produced. The name "Mars I" was suggested by the founder's son, who loved the Mars candy bar.
Within five years, EFP had introduced of the Electrosport station wagon as the first mass-produced electric car.[3] To demonstrate the viability of their electric car business at that time, EFP also created the “World’s First Electric Car Expressway” between Detroit and Chicago.[4]
Product line
- Apollo alkaline fuel cell
- Alkaline fuel cells played a key part in the success of the 1960s U.S. Space Program that put a man on the moon for the first time. The AES R&D Group, led by Karl Kordesch of the Graz University of Technology in Austria, improved this fuel cell and adapted it for terrestrial, undersea, and extra-terrestrial usage.[5]
- Apollo tri-polar lead cobalt battery
- A battery that is in its fifth generation. It has a higher power density, quicker recharging capability, as well as comparatively lighter weight than its predecessors, due to the use of lead foam. They are an alternative to the nickel metal hydride or the lithium ion types of battery.
References
- Weaver, Graham; Reidy, Roisin (2002). "6.3 Apollo Energy Systems, Inc.". World fuel cells: an industry profile with market prospects to 2010. Elsevier Advanced Technology. Oxford. pp. 99–100. ISBN 978-1-85617-397-1. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- "Detroit Spotlight". Motor Trend: 16. January 1967.
- Anderson, Curtis D.; Anderson, Judy (2004). Electric and Hybrid Cars: A History. McFarland. p. 47. ISBN 978-0-7864-1872-5.
- Packard, Chris (August 1971). "The Next Sound You Hear Will Your Electric Car B-Z-Z-Z-Z". Motor Trend.
- Kordesch, K.; Hacker, V.; Reichmann, K.; Cifrain, M.; Hejze, T.; Aronsson, R.R. (2008). "The safe and economic revival of alkaline hydrogen/air fuel calls with circulating electrolytes". Battery/Energy Technology (32). ISBN 9781566776615. Retrieved 1 August 2013.