The chance to save money and do your bit for the environment is the very premise that has made green cars so successful. So when the opportunity comes along to save more money and do even more for the environment, it’s a winning proposition.
Poulsen Hybrid has created a system that equips vehicles with electric motors, DC motor controllers and puts a battery pack in the back of the car along with an onboard charger – and the result is that the vehicle is able to compete with the most fuel efficient plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on the market.
The system is based on the ability of an average or mid-size car’s capability to be able to run at 60-70mph on a level road using only 10-15 horsepower. Two electric motors are mounted on the two front wheels of the car – and with motors usually positioned above the rear wheels, this converts it to an all-wheel drive – although the system is said to work equally well with rear and all-wheel drive vehicles whether petroleum or diesel fuelled.
The motors feature high power and torque within a compact, lightweight disc shape and are well-suited to direct drive road vehicle applications. They are known as Permanent Magnet Axial Field (PMAF) motors, with each rated at seven horsepower.
This gives vehicles a level of power that was previously missing from most electric models – an exciting innovation that could prove to be a successful long-term solution.
See also
Until you mention the cost, this means zilch. When will you cheerleaders stop hyping impractical technologies. What’s the cost, fellow?
Comment by kent beuchert — August 24, 2008 @ 12:11 am
Hi Kent…
Here are the costs taken directly from the Poulsenhybrid website:
Projected approximate prices:
Conversion kit including:
2 Poulsen Hybrid motors.
Auxiliary Components and cables
2 brushless DC motor controllers
72V 120Ah Deep Cycle Lead Acid battery pack (6 batteries).
On-board charger, 72V, 10A.
Total $4,200
Conversion performed by authorized dealer, additional $500 – 600
Hope that resolves your query. Thanks.
Comment by Paul Lucas — August 24, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
It’ll be interesting to see if fitting these these (relatively) DIY systems enable drivers to pay less road tax here in the UK.
IF it’s anything like LPG, you will in theory be able to save money but in practice the government will charge you an extortionate amount to have the installation ‘verified’ or similar.
Having said that I think it’s a very interesting solution; better than the alternative of having us all buy newly manufactured ‘green’ cars and throwing away all our serviceable but ‘ungreen’ existing cars…
Comment by intensive driving — August 25, 2008 @ 11:18 am
The Poulsen Hybrid does not connect motors to the front wheels of a car. Motors are connected *ONLY* to the rear wheels as shown on our website http://www.poulsenhybrid.com
Comment by Frank Kuchinski — August 25, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
If all i need to covert my car is the conversion kit. I want one.
Conversion kit including:
2 Poulsen Hybrid motors.
Auxiliary Components and cables
2 brushless DC motor controllers
72V 120Ah Deep Cycle Lead Acid battery pack (6 batteries).
On-board charger, 72V, 10A.
Total $4,200
Conversion performed by authorized dealer, additional $500 – 600
Comment by Larry — October 31, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
Erm, $4200?? More like $8600.
http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/Installation.php
Comment by Kevin — February 19, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
