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August 25, 2006
In the past I have noted that possibly the optimum electric vehicle configuration would be one that marries in series a plug-in battery electric vehicle drivetrain with a small multi-fuel (ICE) generator and 5 gallon fuel tank for range extension purposes (beyond the initial 150mi all electric range). You would call this type of vehicle a Plug-In Series Hybrid. It allows you to drive the first 150 miles in all electric mode (no gasoline consumed, zero emissions). On the occasion where you need to drive more than 150miles in a day you would have no worries about range issues as you would startup and run (at a single efficient and optimum rpm) a multi-fuel generator whose sole purpose is to charge the battery pack. The driveability of the car is completely unaffected as it continues to operate via its all electric drivetrain. Visit my EV1 page to see my previous mention of the Plug-In Series Hybrid vehicle configuration.
Recently PML (Printed Motors Limited) announced to the world the results of their 8 month intensive development effort to convert a MINI Cooper into a Plug-In Series Hybrid. They call the phenomenal vehicle the Electric Super MINI (Min.e) Cooper QED Series Hybrid. The QED stands for Quad Electric Drive which means each wheel is powered by an in-wheel electric motor (all wheel drive). Therefore, this MINI Cooper has 4 in-wheel electric motors, each providing 750Nm (1017ftlbs) of torque or 160hp. PML lists the equivalent total horsepower of this vehicle at greater than 640bhp. The vehicle can achieve 0-100kph (62mph) in under 5 seconds and has a top speed approaching 240kph (149mph) Braking is fully regenerative (no brake pads except for an emergency hand brake). It is apparent the in-wheel motors consume most of the space where you might have positioned a disc brake and caliper. Eliminating the braking system altogether saves weight, reduces cost and complexity, and insures that all "braking" energy is recaptured into the battery pack via Regeneration (using the inwheel motors as generators). The lithium-polymer battery pack has a 21kWh capacity and the series hybrid ICE (internal combustion engine) generator is a 250cc 2 cylinder 4 stroke (possibly a Kawasaki Ninja 250 engine?). PML has also coupled a 350V 11Farad ultracapacitor to the power bus for regen energy recapture and to provide the high current necessary for rapid acceleration. The ultracapcitor helps protect the battery pack from seeing large spikes in regen or draw (acceleration).
The combination of the battery pack energy and electrical energy generated by the onboard series hybrid ICE generator provides a published range of approximately 1000km (621miles).
The PLM Plug-In Series Hybrid Electric Super MINI Cooper QED is probably a phenomenal drive. Hopefully we can learn more about it in the weeks and months to come. I'm curious to know the weight of each in-wheel motor/rim assembly and how the vehicle handles the additional unsprung mass. To learn more about the specifications of this vehicle download the two PDFs listed below.
Related PML Electric Super MINI (Min.e) Cooper QED Plug-In Series Hybrid Links:
Mitsubishi Motors has been working on a similar Plug-In Series Hybrid vehicle they call the Concept-CT MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle). It too has in-wheel electric motors (20kW each) but are substantially less power than the PML MINI
• December 5, 2005 Mitsubishi Motors press release of the Concept-CT MIEV.
• Google Video of the Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV at a 2006 auto show.
• May 11, 2005 Mitsubishi Motors press release on their MIEV technology.
• August 24, 2005 Mitsubishi Motors press release on the Lancer Evolution MIEV prototype.
Pictures from the 2006 Detroit North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
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Honda GRX Concept
One of the more exciting possibilities for an ultimate 21st century CRX vehicle would be for Honda to build their Concept GRX into a Plug-In Battery EV with Series Hybrid Range Extender. Please Honda, build us a 21st century Plug-In Series Hybrid sport compact GRX!
Related Honda GRX Concept vehicle links:
• Honda's R&D America page on the GRX Concept vehicle.
• Bill Moore's Blog discussing the debut of the Honda GRX concept vehicle at the 2006 Detroit NAIAS.
American Honda Concept GRX Hybrid, an ultra-light and compact sport vehicle for the 21st century, aims at a unique synergy derived from the company's vast experiences in both motorcycle and automotive R&D programs and manufacturing. The conceptual study model created by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Torrance, Calif., is powered by a 1,500cc six-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine developed for motorcycle applications. The aerodynamic exterior and interior design inspired by a Formula racer were then carried over for the J-VX concept, an evolutionary version that made its debut at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. The GRX and J-VX concepts eventually led to the production Honda Insight.
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