Activities in Phase I of a program to develop a preliminary design of a hybrid (electric and internal combustion engine powered) vehicle are summarized. After analyzing automobile usage in terms of trip lengths and purposes, the petroleum savings that could result from using hybrid versus conventional passenger vehicles were estimated. Using a modified General Motors X-body car (Citation) as the base vehicle, the preliminary design of the vehicle, the power train, including internal combustion engine, batteries, and transmission, and the electronic control system are described. The reliability and safety, life cycle costs, and computerized simulation of vehicle performance are discussed. From this study it is concluded that hybrid vehicles are best suited for short range driving; the life cycle cost of the preliminary design near term HV is 25% higher than that for a ICE vehicle; the availability of essential materials such as battery leads needs investigation; and further evaluation of the effects of acute petroleum shortages as well as increased fuel prices and of the desirability of various sizes of HV's is required. (ERA citation 05:035127)
Near Term Hybrid Passenger Vehicle Development Program. Phase I. Final Report
1980
139 pages
Report
No indication
English
Road Transportation , Engine Studies, Energy Related , Hybrid electric-powered vehicles , Computerized simulation , Control equipment , Design , Diesel engines , Energy consumption , Fuel economy , Lead-acid batteries , Life-cycle cost , Mechanical transmissions , Performance , Research programs , Safety , ERDA/330400