HEVT Introduces F-150 PHEV Conversion

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies has introduced a Ford F-150 PHEV conversion. The vehicle was created to demonstrate the technologies available for retrofitting trucks, SUVs and vans with PHEV capabilities. According to the company, the modified F-150 gets 41 mpg, compared with 16 mpg as rated in its conventional state.

Former Intel chairman Andrew Grove introduced the vehicle and indicated that converting trucks, SUVs and vans should be the highest priority, since those vehicles are among the least efficient on the road right now. Like most other PHEVs, the conversion includes a regenerative braking capability to recapture energy lost when the vehicle slows down. The hybrid power train is controlled by an Adaptive Control Unit that determines the best driving mode based on conditions. The ACU also reports remaining battery life.

Grove did not delve into specifics about the conversion, but the F-150 uses a scaled-down version of a proprietary hybrid drive train developed for transit buses. HEVT is a start-up located on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. HEVT relies on technology patented by Ali Emadi, a professor and researcher at IIT. According to simulations conducted by researchers at HEVT, the benefit of conversion is proportional to the size of the vehicle; the larger the vehicle, the better the return on the conversion investment. In addition to reducing gasoline consumption, the hybrid drive train also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, particulate emissions and operational noise.

To further its research, HEVT will institute a pilot program that involves the production of a small fleet of F-150 conversions. The trucks will be available to organizations and individuals. The goal of the pilot program is to reduce the the conversion and lifetime operational costs, as well as to develop and optimize the conversion itself.

Source: HEVT
Photo: Ford Motor Company