Hybrid Trends: A New Breed Hits the Road

Electrification of the automobile will play an increasing role in future energy strategies, in view of the declining oil output and advances in energy storage and electric drive technologies. The electric motor has efficiency in excess of 90 percent compared to an internal combustion engine, which only delivers 25 to 30 percent of the energy from the fuel in the tank. Electric propulsion improves vehicle performance and enables dramatic reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Hybrid electric vehicles comprised just 2.2 percent of the market in 2007; however, they are estimated to make up 7 percent of the total market by 2015. Most major automakers are moving steadily forward with their plans to develop hybrid electric vehicles in spite of the current gyrations in the price of fossil fuels.

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, alternative fuel vehicles, and is a major Tier 1 supplier of fuel efficient, low-emission ‘clean’ vehicle technologies to automotive original equipment manufacturers.

Quantum has developed an innovative fuel efficient, extended range electric vehicle (EREV) – or ‘plug-in’ hybrid powertrain – called ‘Q-Drive.’ The Q-Drive was developed to allow full vehicle performance in all-electric mode, typically for 50 miles or more. For most U.S. drivers, this allows independence from fossil fuels for the majority of their daily vehicle trips, while greatly reducing emissions. The Electric Power Research Institute and the Natural Resources Defense Council have estimated that plug-in hybrids can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles by more than 450 million tons annually.

The Q-Drive will be commercially introduced in the Fisker Karma, a four-door sports sedan, built by Fisker Automotive, a green American premium car company that was co founded by Quantum and the world-renowned auto-designer, Henrik Fisker. Up to 15,000 Fisker Karmas are planned to be built per year starting in 2011, utilizing the Q-Drive. In addition to the production version of the Fisker Karma, Quantum and Fisker Automotive showcased a concept car called the Fisker Karma S (for ‘Sunset’) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Q-Drive for Karma makes optimum use of a large 22.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, made by Quantum and partner ALP (Advanced Lithium Power), which is capable of delivering a peak power of 200 kW throughout the charge depleting range of operation. The battery packs can be charged using common 110 or 220 volt AC outlets at a fraction of the cost of hydrocarbon fuels. Fisker Karma utilizes a 2.0-liter direct injected and turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine developing 191 kW (260 hp), which enables a continuous top speed of 125 mph and 0-60 acceleration of 5.8 seconds. Two powerful electric motors deliver a combined 300 kW (408 hp) and a peak torque of 1300 Nm (959 lbs-ft) of torque. Quantum’s proprietary control software handles real time control of the multiple powertrain systems. The Q-Drive in Fisker Karma is complemented by a solar photovoltaic roof module designed by Quantum and its partner Asola. The module generates renewable electricity, providing further reductions in CO² emissions and improvement in fuel economy.

Quantum has technology leadership and integration expertise derived from many years of experience with vehicle development and assembly programs, as a true Tier 1 automotive supplier. Quantum has a large base of customers and partners and has provided innovative solutions for global industry leaders such as Toyota, GM, Daimler, Ford, Suzuki, Hyundai, Yamaha, NASA, the U.S. Army National Automotive Center, Lockheed Martin, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Quantum strongly believes that smaller companies will play a vital role in accelerating the development of market ready EREVs, and thus help pave the way for customer acceptance and commercial success of this technology.

Alan P. Niedzwiecki is President and CEO of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., www.qtww.com