[By NBC-1TV E.H. Kim]Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI), a global leader in advanced, high-efficiency PHEV and CVT solutions, today announced that Kenneth R. Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer of TechBroker LLC, joined its Board of Advisors.

Mr. Baker has had a four-decade career in the automotive industry, where he has become a well-known expert on transportation electrification. He is perhaps best known as the ‘father’ of the EV-1, General Motors' groundbreaking all-electric vehicle. Mr. Baker was also recognized by A.D. Little as one of the leading research executives in the world, and by Ernst and Young as a finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year competition.

“I am extremely excited to join the exceptional team at EDI,” Mr. Baker stated. “As an innovator and leader in the development of electric drivetrain technology, as well as its transformative work with CVTs, EDI has enviable business prospects and is poised to make a significant impact on electric vehicle development,” added Baker.

“It‘s great to have Ken on the Board. He’s a pioneer in this industry, and we couldn‘t be more pleased,” said Joerg Ferchau, CEO of EDI. “He’ll be an invaluable addition to EDI as we expand globally.”

Mr. Baker joins Advisors Felix Kramer, founder of the California Cars Initiative, and Lawrence G. Norris, a well-known high-tech patent attorney and intellectual property expert.

In addition to his role with TechBroker LLC, an independent technology broker in the areas of alternative energy and advanced transportation, Mr. Baker served as President and CEO of the Altarum Institute, a not-for-profit research institution from 1999 through 2007, was founding Chairman of the United States Advanced Battery Consortium, and served in a variety of engineering, research and executive management positions with General Motors Corporation, including Program Manager of the Electrovette and EV1 programs, Vice President of Global Research and Development, and Vice President/General Manager of its Distributed Energy business venture. Mr. Baker is on the boards of directors of AeroVironment and Ener1, Inc., serves on the Board of Advisors of Gridpoint, Inc., and is an internationally recognized consultant on business strategy for transportation electrification. Mr. Baker has a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University.