Drivetrains Inc. gets 'green' light, pulls into Dixon

Drivetrains Inc. gets 'green' light, pulls into Dixon
By Melissa Murphy/ MMurphy@TheReporter.com
Posted: 02/06/2009

An electric vehicle research center will be plugging into Dixon today.

Sparked by the city's green-consciousness characteristics and location, Silicon Valley-based Efficent Drivetrains Inc. will set up shop and run the company's technology research and development center.

The city has entered into a $150,000 business loan agreement with the firm through Dixon's Community Development Block Grant Program.

Efficient Drivetrains, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and electric vehicle technology provider, has its headquarters in Palo Alto and will use the loan exclusively to set up and run the company's Dixon center, according to a press release.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be 2 p.m. today at the new location, 1150 Business Park Drive.

"It's really the future coming to Solano County," said Mike Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation. "Most people have no idea about plug-ins and we'll have a top-notch researcher here in Solano County."

The funds, a press release explained, will be used for securing working capital, purchasing machinery and equipment for the business, housed in a 3,600-square-foot building in part of the city's central redevelopment area.

"The city of Dixon is excited about the business expansion and quality technology jobs associated with Efficient Drivetrains," said Mark Heckey, economic development director for the city. "We look forward to their success and future expansion of Dixon's role in the movement toward the new Green Technology Industrial Sector."

Mayor Jack Batchelor agreed.

"The Dixon business community is very excited that Efficient Drivetrains has chosen Dixon as the home for its technology research and development center for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles," he said in a press release. "This company's products will bring forth a new breed of vehicles that will significantly reduce carbon emissions and provide clean and efficient transportation, while providing local employment."

Efficient Drivetrains' goal is to displace liquid fuels with cheaper, more environmentally friendly electricity.

"We hope to help Dixon carve out a little larger space on the map, as we also help to expand the concepts behind green vehicles around the world," said Andy Frank, founder and chief technology officer of Efficient Drivetrains.

Ammann added that having Efficient Drivetrains will create opportunities for other businesses.

"Because of his (Frank's) patents, other businesses might come to the area," Ammann said. "It would lead to a cluster of businesses that work together with the smart technology and knowledge. EDI could just be the start of something like that."