Though many wonder what is the point using heavy vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks as platform for fuel efficiency, AFS Trinity makes a point.
The gist, we have covered how a team of innovators pushed the barrier of fuel efficiency on SUVs with 150mpg. They have tried to be muzzled by LA Auto Show, and have since pulled out. Here is a little more on the company.
We were lucky enough to have met them at the AltExpo show in LA. They are a dedicated team that took the best of all worlds by offering a solution to hybridize SUVs. In a nutshell, they have developed a patent-pending technology that allows plug-in hybrid, PHEV to achieve 150mpg, by driving 40 miles in all-electric mode with their fully operational XH-150 SUV prototypes. Their XH-150s use off-the-shelf components and are based on Saturn Vue SUVs.
Technically speaking, the XH-150 uses a two-part energy storage system that combines Lithium-ion batteries with ultracapacitors. Ultracapacitators can deliver short burst of high energy and recharged very quickly. Combined with light lithium batteries, this helps the SUV achieve great mileage. Best part of it is that for typical daily drives of 40 miles round trip (70% of U.S. drivers), the PHEV wont use its gas engine at all, thus saving its driver gas money for weekend longer trips.
The price, if sufficiently produced, the estimated price would be below $40,000 and with tax incentives, it could be as low as $33,000.
So why haven’t companies jumped on this hot item? Hard to answer in one easy sentence. One thing that will probably happen is that it will find a Asian partner, probably a technology company with EV and PHEV ambitions. It seems traditional car makers haven’t shown much interest so far.