Next Generation Plug-in Hybrid

January 22, 2006 – Vol.10 No.44

NEXT GENERATION PLUG-IN HYBRID.

Even before the first generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is launched (if one ever is) there’s a second generation already under development. AFS Trinity Power calls it Extreme Hybrid (tm).

The first generation cars (which, again, are not yet commercially available) are a relatively simple redo of current hybrid technology. The small battery pack in hybrids is replaced with a larger one for longer range under electric-only power. Recharging equipment is also added.

AFS Trinity’s Extreme Hybrid adds another component, a quick-capture energy storage device: a flywheel or a bank of ultracapacitors. (AFS Trinity is a flywheel maker.)

The quick-capture energy storage device would recapture nearly all the energy used in braking the vehicle and save it for accelerating or hill climbing. Battery packs in hybrids only capture a portion of the lost energy of braking.

Other than the flywheel or ultracapacitor the concept is the same. The vehicle’s main battery pack can be recharged at night from the grid. Power in the pack can be used for the first few dozen miles each day. A conventional engine is employed for long distance driving. And for a totally oil-free experience, biofuels could be used in place of gasoline or diesel fuel.

AFS Trinity expects average gasoline fuel economy would be about 250 miles per gallon for a family sized sedan, or 150 miles per gallon for a moderately-sized SUV.

The company has announced the pace of development of Extreme Hybrid will quicken by partnering with Ricardo to help design, test and develop the technology. Once fully developed they will license Extreme Hybrid to interested carmakers worldwide. Ricardo is already a large automotive supplier.

The difficulty with the Extreme Hybrid concept is, of course, the additional cost above and beyond a conventional hybrid. That cost is the flywheel or ultracapacitor bank. Still, extraordinary fuel economy could help justify the additional cost especially if gasoline prices generally continue to rise.

Ultracapacitor company Maxwell already recognizes the role ultracapacitors can play in hybrid vehicles. Visit AFS Trinity at http://www.afstrinity.com/ Maxwell at http://www.maxwell.com/