Bob Lutz, Via Motors introducing plug-in hybrid truck at Detroit

When Bob Lutz joined forces with hybrid conversion company Via Motors earlier this fall, we wrote that, "it's unclear exactly what kind of role Lutz will play in the company or what his duties will be." Turns out that at least one of his assignments will be to take to the stage at the Detroit Auto Show in January and officially introduce the "world's first Extended Range Electric Truck." As always, Lutz is bold in his choice of words, saying in a statement:

VIA Motors has developed the first extended range electric powertrain capable of replacing the V8 engine. It was my great privilege to introduce the Chevy Volt, and it will be a great honor to introduce the world's first line of eREV Trucks, Vans and SUVs by VIA Motors.

The eREV vehicles – all converted GM models, we believe; the truck above is a Silverado – can travel between 30 and 40 miles per charge and then burn gas in an onboard generator to go another 360 or so miles before needing to suck down some electrons and/or gasoline. All three models will be on display in Detroit and the pick-up is already avaiable to order. Via hopes to start production next year and hit an annual production target of 20,000 units (of all its models) "over the next few years."

Via Motors grew out of Raser Technologies. The company first made a name for itself by converting a Hummer H3 to a plug-in hybird. Via wants everyone to konw that its eREVs use "advanced, non-flammable, lithium ion batteries," which we imagine may have been somewhat uncomfortable to discuss with Lutz in the room. Or not.


Source: Autoblog Green

Raser Technologies Making Serial Hybrid Drivetrain for Pickups / SUV's

The Raser PHEV powertrain
(click to enlarge)


Raser Technologies is working on a product that is very much needed today. Light duty pickup trucks and SUV's are ubiquitous in the United States and even around the world. Pickups especially are used everywhere, providing a means for all types of work to be done. Raser Technologies is creating a hybrid drivetrain for these heavier vehicles that can be plugged into the wall outlet. It is a series hybrid because the electric motor ALONE drives the wheels and then a generator provides the current for the motor when the battery pack is depleted.

So why do I state this is very much needed, you ask? The simple reason is that pickups and SUV's are notorious for their poor fuel economy and this technology can easily double and triple their MPG figures. Indeed, for those people running around town or having a relatively short commute to work, this type of vehicle can run without the gas engine ever firing up. This is the end game, in my book. We need these types of vehicles in everyone's garage so that we can drastically reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

The only downside that I can see for this vehicle will be the cost of a 625 volt lithium ion battery pack. The pack will, of necessity, be large and heavy since it will have to contain lots of stored energy and the price of the pack will be more than $20,000. Quite a premium to pay for plug-in and all electric capability. The good news is that the more these batteries are produced, the lower their cost will become.

From Green Car Congress:

Raser Technologies is tracking to begin road testing of its prototype plug-in series hybrid electric vehicle powertrain for full-size SUVs and pickups (earlier post) by the end of March, according to a video update on the development status.

The four-wheel drive electric drive powertrain combines a four-cylinder genset with a Raser 100 kW permanent magnet generator and a 200 kW AC induction traction drive motor. The electric motor is connected directly to the transmission.

The vehicle is designed to operate at about 625 volts. Belt-driven systems (such as dual air conditioning compressors) have been converted to electric power. A DC to DC convertor accomodates lower voltage electric accessories.

The lithium-ion battery packs are mounted between frame rails at the rear of the vehicle. The prototype offers a choice of either 110V or 220V charging outlets

One of the biggest challenges has been the new lithium-ion battery packs. We, like several automakers, have been delayed by lithium-ion battery suppliers, who have been working through the issues including packaging and battery management systems.

We have tested our motor, generator and dual drive controller in the lab, and now they are running in the vehicle, where we have tested at speeds up to 90 mph on the lift.

The majority of final work to complete will be refining the software for the hybrid master control logic and vehicle systems communications for smooth, safe and efficient road operations.

—Jim Spellman, Raser VP Business Development - Transportation