If you read our news break on why AFS Trinity wasn’t “allowed” to display the information their SUVs got 150mpg, we tested vehicles for you.
The gist, AFS Trinity was ironically parked on the other side of the Los Angeles Auto Show and we felt their picture was humorous. Yes, they made it to the show!
Humor apart, their Extreme Hybrid technology is very impressive. We have to admit we are not SUV and pickup truck fans due to their inherent poor handling. AFS’ XH-150 are converted and modified stock Saturn Vue SUVs that are now very responsive and handled far better.
First Impression. The XH-150 has 2 amp meter sitting on the dash, for lithium and for the ultracapacitators. The ignition has three position, off, position 1 for electric only, and 2 full hybrid. It is a smart parallel plug-in hybrid, PHEV that lets you chose electric mode only, PHEV mode, gas only mode or all together.
Driving The XH-150. The electric engine powerful and quiet with the 200hp and no pollution. AFS Trinity engineers have put some serious work into it.
Acceleration and Performance. In full electric mode, The XH-150 whizzes along traffic but press the accelerator and the ultracapacitators kick in, giving that indescribable and typical boost. The charge gauge goes down and comes back up after letting off. The XH-150 allows you to start the gas engine while driving for extra boost with 370 horse power. Fuel consumption? It is estimated at 60mpg.
Technically Speaking. The XH-150 team managed to use lithium and ultracapacitators with a powerful electric engine, a controller and manage to synchronize the torque balance between gas and electric engines, when the ultracapacitators kick in, when the lithium stays on, when the regenerative breaks recoup energy seamlessly.
The XH-150 As An Everyday SUV. The electric only mode will get you 40 miles round trip, what 78% of the US drivers need daily
How Do We Feel About It? If it wasn’t already obvious, we like it! It is one of those results that inspire a deep respect for the team behind the working cars. Why haven’t car companies jump on AFS Trinity and their technology? Hard to fathom. It’s not on the market yet? Why not. AFS Trinity proves that American technology and quality is well and alive despite some lobbying Washington, the little guys are truly leading the revolution.
Source: AFS Trinity. Please see our more detailed story here.
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To whom this may concern, The XH- 150 is very impressive and I want to purchase one or could you convert my new GMC Terrain SUV.
Thank you so Much
Calvin Harvey
708-466-1637
Comment by Calvin Harvey — January 6, 2010 @ 6:46 pm
Hi Calvin, the XH-150 is very impressive indeed and the best thing to do is to contact AFS Trinity directly: http://afstrinity.com/
Another company you might want to contact is AC Propulsion at http://acpropulsion.com/ also. They have done plug-in hybrids and mostly do electric vehicles, EVs.
Thanks, the Electrinick.com team.
Comment by Nick — January 7, 2010 @ 7:57 am