There are plenty of previously unheard of names emerging to challenge the big motoring brands as the green car race gathers pace – and one to watch may be South Korea-based electric vehicle maker CT&T.
The company outlined its expansion efforts during a Press briefing at the Tokyo Motor Show, where it announced $400million, 38,000 units in sales and distribution agreements with shipments to Japan to begin in November.
CT&T was founded in 2002 by former Hyundai Motor executive Young Gi Lee and currently produces two versions of its e-Zone electric vehicle, with the only difference being the battery pack – one has a lead acid battery pack, the other a li-polymer pack.
The e-Zone has a top speed of 44mph with the lead acid battery offering a range of 31-41miles on one charge, while the li-polymer battery has a range of 62-68miles. The company is working on expanding the speed and range of its vehicles in partnership with LG Chem and SK Energy, with the aim to produce new City electric vehicles that reach speeds of 60-80mph and travel a distance of 43-75miles with one charge.
Production of the 38,000 new electric vehicles will begin on Nov 1, 2009, and will continue through the first quarter of 2010. The bulk of the distribution will head to the USA (27,000) with Canada picking up 5,000 electric vehicles, Japan 4,000 electric vehicles and Taiwan 2,000 electric vehicles.
According to Young Gi Lee, the contract represents tremendous collaboration between CT&T and its technology partners, along with the progressive nations that “understand the promise of zero emissions transportation”.
In the coming months, CT&T hopes to set up numerous centres and begin selling electric vehicles to both companies and individuals.
