What effect can retrofitting a van as a plug-in hybrid have on its fuel economy? It appears the boost can be substantial.
This is because a European-based Vauxhall Vivaro was retrofitted with Protean Electric’s electric wheel motors applied in a through-the-road plug-in hybrid system – and it boosts fuel economy three-fold.
The vehicle, which is being shown for the first time inNorth Americaat the Centre for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminar, demonstrates an efficient and cost-effective way to retrofit a commercial vehicle, according to Protean chairman and CEO Bob Purcell. He believes the company’s technology is uniquely designed for high output and high efficiency operations and that its in-wheel motors are unique in that they have the rotor on the outside and each motor’s electronics on the inside. This simplicity means there is more power density and the motors are easier to integrate.
In the case of the Vauxhall Vivaro, the through-the-road hybrid conversion kit consisted of two Protean Electric PD-18 motors attached to the rear axle – together they provide torque assist of up to 1,180lb-ft and 740lb-ft continuous at the rear wheels.
Furthermore, Protean added a 21kWh battery pack which gave the vehicle more than 55miles of electric propulsion range and both plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle capabilities. When in hybrid mode it achieves 114mpg – more than three times the fuel economy of the conventional vehicle.
