PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract to Co-Sponsor Development of Best Design Practices and Assessment of Cost-Reduction Potential for Conductive Charging Support Systems for Electric Vehicles with Advanced Batteries

SYNOPSIS:

Acurex Environmental Corporation proposes to develop a commercial conductive charging system suitable for electric vehicles with advanced batteries and conductive charging systems. Total project cost is $578,483. AQMD's contribution shall not exceed $264,233. The remaining balance will be co-funded with $25,000 from the ARB, $100,000 from the California Energy Commission, $70,000 from Honda, and $119,250 from customers of the prototype units. AQMD shall act as a pass-through for the ARB funds.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, November 7, 1997, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Recognize $25,000 in revenue from the ARB.

2. Appropriate $25,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account of the Technology Advancement office.

3. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with the ARB to co-sponsor development of conductive charging support systems for electric vehicles with advanced batteries for an amount not to exceed $25,000, to be passed through to Acurex Environmental Corporation.

4. Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Acurex Environmental Corporation to develop conductive charging support systems for electric vehicles with advanced batteries for a total amount not to exceed $289,233.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D. Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

Commercial availability of zero-emitting vehicles in California is mandated by the ARB by year 2003, and the successful commercialization of these vehicles is of great importance both to the ARB and other agencies including the AQMD and the CEC. However, the first advanced battery-powered electric vehicles with conductive charging systems made by Honda will be deployed so early that the standard of conductive charging support equipment will not have been finalized. As a result, the first 150 customers of these electric vehicles with conductive charging will need to buy an early version of charging support equipment that has not yet benefited from final industry standards.

There is an urgent need to ensure that the early vehicles are successful, that information from actual real world use by typical customers is obtained, and that important design and cost projection information is available -- both to improve the design and quality of conductive charging support equipment, and to support planning and policy development for broader commercialization of electric vehicles in a timely manner.

Proposal

In addition to its AQMD funding, this project is also supported by the ARB, the CEC, Honda, and partial customer funding;and focuses on the development and demonstration of commercial conductive-couple charging equipment for electric vehicles. A total of 150 prototype conductive charger system equipment will be purchased for evaluation. This will include assessment of conductive charging hardware at the consumer level, with improvement of factors such as design of grip, length of cord, cord stowage, latching mechanism, and other related performance issues. In addition, cost reduction projections at wholesale and retail level will be developed considering automation, components cost, assembly cost, and other related factors. The improved design will incorporate the finalized conductive-couple standards, in-use performance information, and potential component and manufacturing cost reductions. The funding provided by the CEC, Honda, and customers will be used towards the purchase of the 150 prototype units, while the funding provided by the AQMD and the ARB will be used for technology evaluation, design improvement, and cost reduction projections.

The proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan, approved by the Board on September 12, 1997, as Project 97M2-3, "Development and Demonstration of Conductive-Couple Charging Equipment for Electric Vehicles." The major benefit of this project is to improve the viability of developing battery and fast-charging technologies and enhance the deployment of electric vehicles. This will in turn increase exposure and user acceptance of the new technologies; and result in direct emission reductions of NOx, VOC, CO, PM, and toxics from the in-Basin demonstrations, and the expedited commercialization of electric vehicles.

Sole Source Justification

Section II, Step 3(C) of the Consultant Selection Policy identifies four provisions under which the Governing Board may award a sole-source contract: (1) cost to prepare documents exceeds the cost for consultants; (2) delay would result in the endangerment of public health; (3) services are only available from sole source; (4) other circumstances exist identifying the sole source as in the best interest of the AQMD. This request for sole source award is being made under provision (4).

In response to the AQMD's program opportunity notice (PON), Acurex, in cooperation with Honda and the CEC, has organized a team to evaluate the in-use performance of conductive charging support systems for electric vehicles with advanced batteries. Acurex was the sole responder to the PON in this area.

Acurex has nearly two decades of experience in the development and demonstration of low emission transportation technologies, and is recognized internationally for their technical and analytical skills. Acurex has considerable experience with electric vehicles and advanced battery systems, and a profound understanding of the unique air quality problems of the South Coast Air Basin. Having managed several technology demonstration projects, they are recognized for their abilities in integrating "hands-on" familiarity with low-emission hardware and their understanding of the engineering and scientific fundamentals that make the hardware demonstrations relevant.

Acurex encourages the participation of, and uses as subcontractors, small businesses, and minority-, disabled veteran-, and woman-owned business enterprises in its programs to the maximum extent possible to ensure efficient performance and compliance with contract requirements and applicable laws. Acurex has a small business liaison whose responsibility is to develop and promote the utilization of these businesses in contract performance. Acurex is a member of the Industry Council for Small Business Development in California.

Honda is a major manufacturer of light-duty vehicles with a significant market share of the Basin's fleet. They are one of the early introducers of electric vehicles operating on advanced batteries with conductive charging systems, and are strongly supporting and cost-sharing this project to improve the design of conductive charging support systems in a cost-effective way at homes and employer sites.

Both the ARB and the California Energy Commission strongly support this project for its potential to expedite the commercial viability of electric vehicles powered with advanced batteries.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient funds in the amount of $264,233 are available for this project in the FY 1997-98 Budget. Total cost of the proposed project is $578,483, with the following cofunders:

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