MIDLAND, MI - Dow recently reached an agreement with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. to produce plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) fleet trucks. Dow said it and a major utility company are the first to engage Quantum Technologies to convert conventional Ford F-150 trucks to PHEV trucks powered by Dow Kokam lithium ion battery technology, which delivers the energy and power balance required for these vehicles.

Conversion of the trucks will be completed in phases beginning in December 2011. Dow will deploy more than 100 PHEV trucks by the end of 2012, in the first phase of its fleet conversion. In addition to the trucks, Dow has purchased two Chevy Volt electric-powered vehicles for use within Michigan Operations and its corporate headquarters in Midland, Michigan.

“Pioneering the use of Dow Kokam battery technology for these PHEV fleet trucks is another example of how Dow is driving the adoption of energy alternatives in transportation,” says Dave Kepler, executive vice president, Business Services and Chief Sustainability Officer. “The agreement is the culmination of a collaboration between Dow, Quantum, Dow Kokam, and our fleet provider to create and deploy the first PHEV trucks – using leading battery technology that is changing the future of commercial vehicle propulsion.”

Dow is also installing charging stations in phases as the Volts and PHEV trucks are deployed and as site facilities are upgraded. Dow said its new energy-efficient Business Services building will be equipped with multiple charging stations, which will be accessible to employees with all varieties of electric vehicles (EVs) while fleet usage is ramping up.