Odyne Systems introduces new plug-in hybrid system for medium- and heavy-duty work trucks

Odyne’s plug-in hybrid system. Click to enlarge.

Waukesha based Odyne Systems, LLC, a manufacturer of hybrid systems for medium- and heavy-duty work trucks, introduced its new advanced hybrid propulsion system at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC) in Williamsburg. The new parallel plug-in hybrid system features a Remy HVH250 electric motor—80 hp continuous, 110 hp peak—and a choice of 14 kWh or 28 kWh lithium-ion battery packs.

Odyne was formed in 2001 for the sole purpose of developing and producing electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems for Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 vehicles. In January 2009, Odyne’s assets were acquired by the parent company of DUECO, Inc. and Utility Equipment Leasing Corporation (UELC), and relocated to a production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (Earlier post.)

Odyne’s system is targeted to medium- and heavy-duty work trucks with extended stationary PTO job site functions. It is also the only plug-in hybrid system to power a gas compressor truck. The Odyne system provides launch assist and regenerative braking. Once stationary at the job site, work trucks are able to operate worksite equipment applications for up to several hours without using engine power, depending upon the application.

Examples of continuous minutes of all-electric operation
Equipment	Power (hp)	14 kWh Time (min)†	29 kWh Time (min)†
Digger Derrick	54	–	39
60' Bucket truck	25	38	85
Articulating Telescopic Crane	14	66	147
40' Bucket Truck	9	106	325
†Time may vary depending on application

The 300V parallel plug-in hybrid system can be applied to most new chassis or applied as a retrofit, and is compatible with most chassis over 14,000-lb GVW. No drive train modifications are required; the OEM chassis components can be serviced through the chassis manufacturer’s service network. The hybrid system propulsion components are placed within chassis frame rails for ease of body installation; battery packs are situated in a variety of locations to suit application. The electric motor can drive both a PTO and hydraulic pump.

This new system delivers improved performance for medium and large work vehicles. Odyne’s unique system helps reduce operating costs through higher efficiency, and depending on duty cycle, enables large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50%, compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines. Odyne has developed proprietary and patent pending hybrid technology combining reliable electric power conversion, power control with advanced electric propulsion motors and modular lithium ion battery systems.

—Joe Dalum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Odyne Systems

Source: Green Car Congress

Remy awarded electric motor contract by ALTe

Plug-in hybrid conversion specialist ALTe Powertrain Technologies says that it has inked a three-year deal with Remy Electric Motors. Terms of the agreement call for Remy's HVH 250 electric motor (sure seems like this powerhouse of a motor is used in a fair amount of vehicles) to provide motive power and act as an on-board generator for ALTe's converted plug-in vehicles. Technically speaking, ALTe calls their system a "range-extended electric powertrain." We'll call it a plug-in hybrid.

ALTe will develop plug-in hybrids for the commercial, government and utility fleet industry. Initially, the conversion specialist will focus solely on light- to medium-duty delivery trucks, vans and shuttle buses. ALTe claims that its electric propulsion systems can be installed in less than 14 hours and says that its powertrain will provide up to 30 miles of electric-only range, followed by an estimated 275 miles in charge-sustaining mode. ALTe says that Job Number 1 will roll out in the spring of 2012.



Source: Autoblog Green

Remy awarded electric motor contract by ALTe

Remy has been awarded a three-year contract for electric motors by ALTe Powertrain Technologies. Under the agreement, Remy HVH 250 electric motors will act as an onboard generator to recharge batteries and deliver electric drivetrain traction power for ALTe’s hybrid vehicle powertrain conversions.

ALTe develops range-extended electric powertrains for the commercial, government and utility fleet industry, with a focus on light- to medium-sized delivery trucks, vans, and shuttle buses. The mass-produced and assembled electric propulsion systems can be installed in 14 hours and are projected to provide an initial 30 miles of all-electric driving, followed by an estimated 275 miles (443 km) in a charge-sustained mode, before needing to be recharged or refueled.

Fuel economy is projected to increase up to 200% with no loss in cargo capacity, increased torque, and comparable horsepower and towing capability when compared to a factory V8 engine.

Source: Green Car Congress

ZAP and Remy Electric Motors, LLC Sign a Long-Term Motor Supply and Development Agreement

ZAP Xebra Electric Truck

ZAP and Remy Electric Motors, LLC have signed a long-term motor supply and development agreement. ZAP Founder Gary Starr and Remy Electric Motors General Manager Kevin Quinn made the announcement at the Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) in Shenzhen, China. As a result, Remy HVH 250 electric motors will now be used globally in ZAP’s cars and sports utility vehicles.

Additionally, ZAP is developing a drivetrain with the Remy motor for use in automotive platforms of ZAP and those of several Chinese vehicles.

US-based ZAP acquired 51% of Chinese auto manufacturer Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Company Ltd. this year. This merger has given ZAP access to the Chinese market through Jonway Auto’s distribution channels of more than 80 factory direct dealerships that feed into hundreds of factory authorized dealers. The new supply and development agreement signed by ZAP and Remy provides Remy with a strategic partner in the Chinese electric vehicle market.

Remy Electric Motors earlier joined forces with ZAP in the development of an electric postal delivery vehicle for the United States Postal Service (USPS). This vehicle was chosen as one of the five approved vehicle participants in a year-long trial by the USPS.

Remy International, LLC, has entered into an agreement with MotoCzysz LLC to bring a new electric drive system to market

Remy International, Inc. subsidiary Remy Electric Motors, LLC, has entered into an agreement with MotoCzysz LLC to bring a new electric drive system to market. The drive system leverages Remy’s patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) electric motor technology (earlier post) and patent-pending cooling and integration technology from MotoCzysz (earlier post).

The first D1g1tal Dr1ve utilizing a liquid-cooled Remy internal permanent magnet (IPM) motor will create class-leading torque of 250 lb-ft (339 N·m) and 100 kW (135 hp) of power at 93% efficiency, measured at the rotor. Future models will extend the D1g1tal Dr1ve range to include an even more powerful drive as well as a smaller, more compact option. Remy and MotoCzysz will make the game-changing D1g1tal Dr1ve unit available in the second quarter of 2011.

MotoCzysz, an internationally recognized design and engineering firm and a leading innovator in the American motorcycle industry, now focuses primarily on electric drive systems and electric vehicles.

I believe electric drives are the purest and best solution to propel the majority of automobiles around the world. The D1g1tal Dr1ve was designed specifically with that vision in mind. Our partnership with Remy Electric Motors will allow us to deliver a modern, simpler, evolved replacement for the 100 year-old gas engine. Remy is a powerhouse in electric motor design and manufacturing and our first choice for a partner in this emerging sector. Our mutual goal is for the D1g1tal Dr1ve to deliver the highest performance, greatest efficiency and most integrated packaging solution available for companies needing electric drive solutions.

—Michael Czysz, Founder and CEO of MotoCzysz

Remy, a leading global manufacturer, remanufacturer and distributor of light duty starters and alternators and Delco Remy brand heavy-duty systems, also manufactures electric motors for hybrid and electric vehicles.

MotoCzysz proved their ability to optimize a Remy motor with their astounding test results and win in the TT Zero electric motorcycle race on the Isle of Man this year. Integrating that same groundbreaking engineering with the patented Remy HVH motor is a win for our electric automotive and light duty commercial customers. Remy and MotoCzysz have the experience and technology to make this remarkable propulsion system the new industry standard for electric automobiles.

—John Weber, Remy CEO

The new D1g1tal Dr1ve system was originally designed to fit a motorcycle frame. Applied to automobiles, this weight and size advantage, coupled with high performance, will provide OEMs, integrators and converters with leading efficiencies, the partners said. In typical electric vehicles, various components from a variety of vendors are assembled and then connected together via wires. The D1g1tal Dr1ve system optimizes and matches all high-voltage components in a single housing.

The highly integrated system is packaged as a super axle located between the two drive wheels. Additionally the D1g1tal Dr1ve’s nearly wireless solution provides additional overall safety for the vehicle.

Source: Green Car Congress