October 29, 2006 – Vol.11 No.32

BEYOND PLUG-IN HYBRIDS: WHAT’S THE NEXT EVOLUTION?

Even before plug-in hybrids become available in showrooms or as aftermarket kits, hybrids are continuing to evolve. Diesel hybrid cars are certainly possible since diesel hybrid trucks and buses are already available. Ethanol-fueled hybrids have been developed (by Ford). Plug-in versions of diesel or ethanol hybrids have already been envisioned.

What else?

What about retrofit hybrids: vehicles that start out as conventional vehicles but are converted to hybrids (or plug-in hybrids) with modular kits?

Well, they’re being developed as well.

In a partnership announced by IC Corporation and Enova Systems, Enova will supply a Post Transmission Parallel Hybrid Drive System that will be integrated behind the transmission as a drop-in, turnkey unit. It will be able to be installed on the production line or retrofitted later on as-needed basis. The modular system would be noninvasive and would require little modification to the vehicle: A plug-and-play hybrid if you will.

While there’s plenty of room available on the underside of a bus for modification and additional components, a car or light truck designed to be retrofitted to hybrid technology would be far more challenging to engineers. But the idea might have economic appeal to vehicle owners and hybrid component manufacturers alike. A hybrid retrofit might extend the life of a vehicle. The components, modular parts to make the conversion, would be a new, profit-making business opportunity, even for vehicle manufacturers themselves.

Visit Enova Systems at http://www.enovasystems.com/ , IC Corporation at http://www.ic-corp.com/

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