The Governator Visits the FEV booth at SAE to check out a prototype Hummer H3 plug-in hybrid.
FEV Incorporated, a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, has teamed up Utah-based Raser Technologies to develop the H3 ReEV, the first vehicle equipped with Raser’s “range-extended” electric vehicle technology.
“Our goal in exhibiting this particular vehicle is to demonstrate that electric vehicle technology is a viable solution for a variety of vehicle platforms,” said Gary Rogers, FEV, Inc. president and CEO at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit. “Needs of consumers will continue to vary, and the Hummer range-extended electric vehicle shows that fuel economy does not necessarily mean sacrificing power and utility.”
An H3 powered by Raser’s plug-in hybrid E-REV or Extended-Range Electric Vehicle gets 100 miles per gallon, according to Jim Spellman, Raser vice president of Business Development. The vehicle was billed as strictly a concept, so no billing information was given. Critics of EVs say they are not saleable without expensive taxpayer subsidies.
Raser and FEV introduced Raser’s E-REV power train, similar in function to the Chevy Volt but designed for use in a variety of larger, full-sized SUVs and light trucks only last year. The vehicle was developed in association with the Plug-in Hybrid Development Consortium, co-founded by Raser along with leading electric utilities, lithium ion battery companies and other automotive technology companies.
“The technology in this electric-powered Hummer is a leap ahead for U.S. automakers. It could make the nation’s popular light trucks and SUVs greener than a Prius,” Raser CEO Brent M. Cook said.
Jim Taylor , Hummer ‘s chief executive officer, said GM gave its blessing to the project to see if it was possible to develop a plug-in-hybrid system that could work in sport utility vehicles or pickup trucks. “It’s not about Hummer, it’s about the solution,” he said.
California Governor. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who visited the FEV display, said early during his remarks opening the annual SAE conference that the future of the auto industry depends on advances in alternative powertrain technology.
The vehicle has performed well in initial test drives and dynamometer testing conducted by FEV. Video from recent test drives of the +100 mpg H3 is available online at http://rasertech.com/hummer.
The plug-in electric Hummer H3 has a range of about 400 miles, driving its first 40 miles exclusively on batteries before turning on its combustion generator. Most vehicles drive fewer than 40 miles a day; most drivers would rarely use gas and average more than 100 mpg in gas fuel economy over time, according to Raser.
Raser’s E-REV power train was designed for most full-sized 4wd SUVs and light trucks, which represent nearly half of the vehicles on U.S. roads today because of their versatility and wide application in fleets.
“We chose the Hummer H3 and H3T as demonstration vehicles because trucks and SUVs are the best-selling vehicles in America and can benefit the most from increased fuel economy and reduced emissions,” said Cook.
The Electric Hummer H3 is propelled entirely on electricity by Raser’s 200 kW advanced AC induction motor connected to a 4wd transmission. A small, high efficiency EcoTech engine uses Raser’s 100 kW electric generator to recharge the batteries while driving and provides additional electric power when needed.