BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced the formation of an alliance to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles in cities across China. NESTIA, the New Energy Sustainable Transportation International Alliance, includes Eaton, AECOM, IBM, vehicle manufacturer Beiqi Foton Motor Co., lithium ion battery manufacturer MGL and electric motor provider Broad Ocean. The announcement took place at the Third Annual China Green Energy Auto Development Summit Forum hosted by Foton.

NESTIA’s first project is to design and deploy electric buses that will utilize advanced components from Eaton, Broad Ocean and MGL.

“Bringing together the leading experts in city planning and smart grid infrastructures with Eaton’s hybrid and electric vehicle technology will offer energy saving solutions to cities wishing to accelerate the adoption of clean energy vehicles and has the potential to rapidly advance the adoption of new technology in China,” said Joe-Tao Zhou, president of Eaton in China.

NESTIA is part of a broader new global alliance between Eaton, AECOM and IBM to advance the adoption of clean energy vehicles, from plug-in to full electric across public and private transportation sectors in key markets worldwide. The group will place special focus on deployment of clean energy vehicles in taxi, bus, refuse and sanitation fleets, along with the accompanying charging infrastructure.

The new alliances combine expertise to address areas needed to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles, including:

• Preparation of a master plan for public and private electric vehicle battery swapping and charging station networks to leverage the deployment of electric vehicle networks as a catalyst for improved mobility, land use and economic growth;
• Design and development of plug-in and electric vehicles and electric vehicle service equipment utilizing a global and local supply chain;
• Implementation of a public electric vehicle charging station network infrastructure that includes associated procurement and construction management services;
• Review of a utility company’s grid infrastructure for its ability to support the new load requirements and a smart meter infrastructure and systems for utility companies; and
• Assistance for utility companies in preparing a portfolio of business applications for enhancement and integration to electric vehicle-specific systems.

“This type of solution offering is a great example of how AECOM can leverage our expertise in integrated sustainable transportation, planning and design to offer unique value to cities that are looking to support electric vehicles,” said Sean Chiao, executive vice president for AECOM China. "AECOM's continued success reflects our commitment to be the best at what we do globally - and to serving the best interests of our clients around the world."

"IBM understands the demands and challenges organizations, businesses and communities face when they begin the adoption of electric vehicles into their transportation mix,” said Brad Gammons, IBM Vice President of Energy and Utilities. “Working within the partnership we will provide systems integration and implementations tools that can help to create a robust business and technical EV infrastructure.”

About AECOM

AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 46,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation, and technical excellence in delivering solutions that enhance and sustain the world's built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 100 countries and had revenue of $6.3 billion during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2010. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com.

About IBM

IBM is working with clients in approximately 70 Smart Grid engagements across emerging and mature markets. For more information about IBM's smart grid initiatives, go to http://www.ibm.com/press/us/en/presskit/27725.wss and http://www.ibm.com/energy.

About Eaton

Eaton offers the world’s most complete line-up of clean energy drive systems for commercial vehicles with more than 50 million miles on its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydraulic hybrid and has more than 1,000 electric hybrid systems in operation in China. In addition, Eaton has comprehensive facilities, field service and support to meet the unique needs of electric vehicle charging infrastructures in cities and communities around the world including China. Eaton also has a wide range of expertise in other markets that use free-standing electrical charging, including truck and bus stops, ports, marinas, recreational vehicles parks, government and city run garages that we can access to meet the unique needs of cities and communities around the world and including China.

Eaton began operations in China in 1993 through a joint venture agreement to manufacture steering control units and hydraulic motors. Since then, its presence has grown significantly in the country through acquisitions, joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries. In 2004, Eaton moved its Asia Pacific headquarters from Hong Kong to Shanghai. In China today, Eaton has 27 operations with more than 10,000 employees.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.