EV Power Systems Targeting PHEV Retrofit at Electric Utility Truck Fleets
28 March 2010
EV Power Systems, Inc. (EVPS) and Energy Dimensions, LLC entered a partnership to market EVPS’ plug-in, hybrid-electric (PHEV) retrofit drive system for electric utility, light-duty trucks.
| The system is mounted at the U-joint of the drive shaft. Click to enlarge. |
The new PHEV systems increases fuel economy by 30% with a return on investment (ROI) of approximately 30% at current fuel prices in start/stop applications, according to EVPS.
The EVPS system does note require changes to the internal-combustion engine, transmission, vehicle support systems, electrical system or emission equipment. In the light-truck application (e.g., Silverado) the system is mounted behind the transmission at U-joint of drive shaft.
| Clockwise from top left: (i) under vehicle towards front, (ii) controller and battery boxes, (iii) under vehicle towards rear, (iv) dual motors, belts, and sprocket. Click to enlarge. |
Most of the hybrid components are off-the-shelf and readily available. The hybrid system can be transferred to another truck and upgraded with new batteries, motors, chargers or controllers. The retrofit is achieved in a day or less. Many conversions can be completed using in-house staff.
Energy Dimensions and EVPS are also forming a technical advisory council aimed at testing, evaluating and sharing information about smart grid technologies and PHEVs.
For "short trip" passenger car hybrids for so long we wanted them to be plug-in and now a hybrid utility, light-duty truck for "high start-stop usage" is plug-in? Go figure.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 28 March 2010 at 07:38 AM
Business vehicles are used much more heavily than the typical commuter car, so the ROI on fuel-saving retrofits will be highest there (and the cost will be deductible as a business expense).
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 28 March 2010 at 09:00 PM