Greener 'Plug-in' Hybrid Launched in Europe
UK company Amberjac Projects Ltd in association with EnergyCS and Edrive Systems of California, launch the 'plug in' hybrid conversion for the Toyota Prius in Europe. Fuel consumption of 130mpg and an electric only mode up to 35 miles
(PRWEB) June 9, 2005 -- Amberjac Projects Limited are proud to announce, in
conjunction with our USA partners EnergyCS and Edrive Systems LLC, the launch of
the ‘Plug In’ Hybrid concept in Europe. Incorporates Valence Technology’s
Saphion®® Lithium-ion battery allowing more zero-emission driving and improved
consumption.
Amberjac Projects is in the process of acquiring exclusive
European rights from Edrive Systems and EnergyCS to offer integrated conversions
and licensing of the Edrive Systems ‘Plug-in’ concept to integrators and OEM
manufacturers.
“This is a breakthrough in the industry. The PHEV allows
renewable energy to displace gasoline, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,”
said Stephan Godevais, president and CEO of Valence Technology.” We are pleased
that Amberjac Projects have followed EnergyCS and Edrive Systems by adopting a
Saphion solution for the European Prius PHEV conversion kit.”
‘Plug-in’
hybrids have a higher capacity battery system and the capability to recharge
from national grid electricity supplies, adding renewable energy to the
transportation fuel mix. Recharging will normally take place overnight utilising
cheap rate electricity and taking advantage of spare off peak generation
capacity, taking advantage of unused capacity at that time.
The ‘Plug-in’
Hybrid concept is a revolutionary development offering significant improvements
in fuel efficiency and zero emission electric vehicle range, and represents a
major advancement in Hybrid vehicle technology.
The first vehicle to be
converted will be a Toyota Prius and will be available for demonstrations or
press events at the end of July 2005, with a vehicle conversion commercially
available in early 2006. Early adopters are being sought for initial development
vehicles, at higher initial cost, to assist us with our data generation
programme or for extended fleet trials.
Recently the Edrive Systems
Plug-in Prius achieved 102mpg (US Gallon) over the first 60 miles and a net
84mpg over a 150 mile course in the Tour de Sol in New York, first place in
Hybrid category and first place in technical innovation.
Plug in upgrades
will be offered for other hybrid vehicles as they become available from OEM
manufacturers, such as the new Lexus RX400h hybrid, GS450h hybrid and the
European version of the Ford Escape hybrid. OEM manufacturers are invited to
discuss the possibilities of integrating the plug-in concept in new vehicle
development programmes with the 4x4 (SUV) and large/medium vehicle markets of
particular focus.
The key elements of the Prius ‘Plug-in’ conversion are
as follows:
1) 9kWh Saphion™ battery system replaces the standard 1.3kWh NiMH
pack
2) BMU (Battery Management Unit) system that interfaces seamlessly with
the Toyota Hybrid System
(THS)
3) Up to 35 miles EV
range at urban speeds below 33mph
4) 130 in combined cycle driving (130 miles
per imperial gallon, 1 Imperial gallon = 4.4 litres; 1 US gallon = 3.8
Litres)
5) Returns to normal Prius hybrid mode when battery pack
depleted
6) Compact Onboard charging system, charge anywhere
7) Charged by
domestic electrical power. Charge overnight using cheap rate off peak
electricity and grid renewables.
8) Can be conveniently charged by roadside
charging systems
9) Will be the first commercially available plug-in hybrid,
pre-orders being taken
Contacts: Simon Sheldon, Managing Director,
Amberjac Projects Limited
Website: www.plugin-hybrid.com
Email: e-mail protected from spam
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Tel: +44 (0) 77805 96186 Fax: +44 (0) 1400 230970
Media and press
contact: Gail Deptford
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Tel: +44 (0) 7802
360020
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb249004.htm