Wrightspeed to Launch "GTD" - A Breakthrough in Electric Drive Technology
Monday, August 15, 2011. San Jose, CA--Today Wrightspeed announced its Geared Traction Drive (GTD), an integrated
inverter, electric motor, and two-speed transmission.
Just 12 months after A round funding, Wrightspeed has produced what established leaders in the automotive industry have
not. The two-speed Wrightspeed GTD shifts electronically, using software-controlled motor synchronization instead of
clutches, and provides a maximum output torque (per wheel) of 1893 ft-lbs in first gear, and 810 ft-lbs in second gear
(180mph max).
Fisker recently suggested that "Veyron levels of performance" could be achieved with the successful integration of a multispeed
gearbox and an electric motor. Wrightspeed's GTD makes this performance available by eliminating the traditional
compromise made in electric drivetrains between low-end torque and top-end speed.
Smaller and lighter than any other traction system of equal performance, the Wrightspeed GTD fits many architectures.
Wrightspeed uses the GTD in its Powertrains, drivetrains that use electric drive with micro-turbine power
generation for unlimited range, optimal performance, and exceptional efficiency. The Route™ is Wrightspeed's medium
duty truck retrofit drivetrain. Wrightspeed makes The Circuit™ for supercar manufacturers.
Wrightspeed's Powertrains move the complexity from mechanical systems into electronic and software systems,
making them lighter, cheaper, and more efficient. Clutchless gear shifting is a good example of this.
Traditional multi-speed transmissions use clutches (dry clutches, multi-disc wet clutches, or twin-clutch arrangements) and
mechanical synchronizers to match speeds before gear engagement; this makes them heavy, expensive, and less efficient.
But with electric motors, it becomes possible to control the motor speed so precisely, and change it so quickly, that the gears
can be engaged without clashing. The sync function that used to be performed by mechanical means has been shifted into
software control of electronics, driving the electric motor with precision. Wrightspeed's control software weighs nothing,
costs nothing to manufacture, doesn't wear out, and uses the electronics that are already present to drive the motor.
ABC's coverage of Wrightspeed's Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Media Reception
GigaOM Interviews CEO Ian Wright at Wrightspeed's Grand Opening and Media Reception
News Press Release: City of San Jose and the California Energy Commission Team Up to Welcome Wrightspeed, Inc.
March 30, 2011
Event: Join San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, California Energy Commission Vice Chair James Boyd, Wrightspeed CEO Ian Wright, members from the local cleantech community and others for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Wrightspeed facility in San Jose, CA.
When: Thursday, April 7, 2011, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Wrightspeed, Inc.
2540 Junction Avenue
San Jose, CA 95134
Visuals: Learn about Wrightspeed's Range-Extended Electric Vehicle Digital Drivesystem for high fuel consumption vehicles. Vehicles on display will include:
Isuzu NPR Work Truck: see how the Powertrain can replace a traditional, inefficient heavy-duty drive system
Wrightspeed X1 Concept Car: see the world's fastest pure electric sportscar
Capstone CMT380 Concept Car: see how microturbine technology can provide range-extending driving capabilities for electric vehicles
Background: Wrightspeed's Powertrain is a powerful, reliable and cost-effective solution for electrifying high fuel consumption vehicles. In addition to private funding, Wrightspeed was awarded a $1,197,064 grant from the California Energy Commission under the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (AB118 for the testing and manufacturing of the Powertrain.
News Press Release: Wrightspeed's Electric Vehicle Grant Approved
California Energy Commission Approves Wrightspeed's Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Plant Grant
(December 13, 2010) - Wrightspeed, Inc., an advanced clean energy transportation company based in San Jose, CA, announced today that the California Energy Commission has approved its $1,197,064 grant solicitation for the development of its Powertrain retrofit kit for medium-duty fleet trucks. These funds were provided under California Assembly Bill 118. California is a national leader in fostering alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technology. By leveraging state funds with matching dollars, California is spurring the economy with the development of medium and heavy-duty electric trucks," said California Energy Commission Vice Chair James Boyd. "Commercialization of the Wrightspeed Powertrain will provide valuable diagnostic verification and validation to ensure that electric drive technology meets defined performance and efficiency goals. The Golden State's investment in green technology will yield rich dividends benefiting both the economy and environment," Boyd said. "The Powertrain is a powerful, reliable and cost-effective solution for electrifying fleet trucks. It will eliminate harmful emissions and lower total life cycle costs over conventional diesel, natural gas and other hybrid drive systems." Wrightspeed founder and CEO, Ian Wright, stated, "We are excited to accelerate development of our electric drive technology with this grant. We strongly endorse the Energy Commission's vision of energy independence and cleaner vehicles while creating high skill, high wage jobs in California."
Press Release: Wrightspeed Secures $5 Million in Funding
Clean Tech Startup Secures $5 Million in Funding for Development of Their Extended-Range Hybrid-Electric Digital DriveSystem
San Jose, CA (November 4, 2010) Wrightspeed, Inc., today announced it has secured $5 million in a Series A financing from a private investor. The funding will be used to support the development of Wrightspeed's Digital DriveSystem, an extended-range hybrid electric drive system targeted at high fuel consumption and high-performance vehicles. "Our technology will displace at least 3,000 gallons of fuel per year per high-usage vehicle", said founder and CEO, Ian Wright. The system takes a unique approach to on-board power generation and uses motors modularly, making it easy to tailor to a vehicle's specific use.
Joining the board of directors is David Welch, Ph.D., co-founder, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Infinera. "Wrightspeed's technology provides significant improvements in fuel savings and therefore in payback time for fleet operators", said Welch.
The Company's announcement comes on the heels of the October 25, 2010 announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the first ever programs to improve fuel efficiency for medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
Watch the X1 blow past a Tesla and an interview with Ian Wright: