Magna Working On PHEV Powertrain

Magna International is working on a PHEV with plans to have an operational prototype by 2010, at the latest. The company is developing the hybrid gas-electric powertrain with regenerative braking capabilities in Austria. The company has already developed hybrid engines, so the development of a PHEV is the next logical step.

Many automakers believe that PHEVs are a critical intermediate technology in the shift toward a hydrogen economy, and a straightforward way to meet increasingly restrictive CAFE standards. Magna has already developed a hybrid engine that runs on compressed natural gas.

Engineers in all divisions of the parts supplier are working on programs that will promote and support the $30 million development efford. Lightweight metals, plastics, engine design and development, and assembly coordination are all involved in the PHEV design process.

The company expects to use Li-ion batteries in the new powertrain. As a supplier, Magna is competing against the research and development being conducted by the automakers themselves. The company still believes that its research and development will help automakers meet emissions and fuel economy standards well into the future.

Photo Credit: Robson Talaveiras

Source: ReportOnBusiness.com