With global warming, oil spills and greenhouse gas emissions increasing, harnessing green technology is being touted as a way to save the environment. The energy commission's vision of energy independence appears to be gathering momentum, with Wrightspeed, Inc., seeking and being granted funds to develop its Digital DriveSystem retrofit for medium-duty fleet trucks.

Wrightspeed, Inc., an advanced clean energy transportation company based in San Jose, Calif., announced that the California Energy Commission (News - Alert) approved its $1,197,064 grant solicitation for this purpose. These funds were provided under California Assembly Bill 118.

In a press release, California Energy Commission Vice Chairman James Boyd said, "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."

The Digital DriveSystem is a powerful, reliable and cost-effective solution for electrifying fleet trucks. By retrofitting it into fleet trucks, Wrightspeed, Inc., hopes to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce total life cycle costs in comparison with other hybrid drive systems. Together these form a durable and reliable system, which is expected to enable vehicle manufactures attain improved energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and overall improved performance.

Wrightspeed founder and CEO, Ian Wright, appeared keen to accelerate the development of the company's electric drive technology with the help of the grant. In a press release, he said, “We strongly endorse the Energy Commission's vision of energy independence and cleaner vehicles while creating high skill, high wage jobs in California."

Boyd spoke about the commercial impact that the Wrightspeed Digital DriveSystem would have and remarked, “It 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."