Dodge presents UQM developed PHEV

FEV, Inc., a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, announced today that it showed its Dodge Caliber-based Range-extended Electric Vehicle (ReEV) with plug-in capability at the April 30, 2010 grand opening of the new UQM Technologies, Inc. production facility in Longmont, Co.

UQM was a grant recipient under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and Vice President Joe Biden attended the grand opening. The Caliber-based demonstrator incorporates a UQM® traction motor, as well as a UQM® generator, and is one of a number of products being utilized in FEV customer projects.
The Caliber is an internal development project designed to show FEV's full spectrum of capabilities in hybrid engineering. The vehicle was first shown at the 2009 SAE World Congress. Dr. Joachim Wolschendorf, CTO and vice president of the Vehicle and Drivetrain Engineering Division of FEV, Inc. announced FEV's participation in the event. He attended the grand opening at the invitation of UQM.

UQM Technologies, Inc. develops and manufactures high power density and highly efficient electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, aerospace, military and industrial markets.

"FEV is honored to be invited to participate in this event," said Wolschendorf. "While FEV works with numerous partners in the field of power generation, we are pleased that UQM has achieved a level of success that garners recognition from the highest levels of our government."
"We are also excited to be able to demonstrate the application of power generation technology in a functioning ReEV before this distinguished audience," said Wolschendorf. "While the Caliber was developed as an internal R&D project to show our capabilities, it also allows us to evaluate different options for the engine/generator unit and the associated calibration strategies. One such project that we recently announced was the development of a 40kW Auxiliary Power Unit coupled with a 3-cylinder gasoline engine to extend EV range."

The Caliber ReEV concept is one of several new hybrid vehicle technologies that are being developed in FEV's Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Development Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
The ReEV propulsion system was developed entirely by FEV, including:

• Performance modeling and simulations
• Component selection and procurement
• Design, analysis and packaging
• High Voltage system architecture, development and integration
• Hybrid controls and powertrain development and testing
• Complete vehicle integration
• Vehicle exhaust and evaporative emission calibration
• Overall vehicle calibration, testing and validation

NVH optimization The ReEV propulsion system employs a 1.0L, 3-cylinder, 4 valve engine that is mated to a UQM® PowerPhase® 75 generator that provides 41kW of continuous power in extended-range mode, with a peak power of 75kW. The energy storage system consists of a 20 kW-h liquid-cooled Lithium Ion battery pack that operates at 346V, with a Delphi DC/DC converter. A UQM® PowerPhase® 125EX traction motor powers the wheels.
Performance statistics for the demonstrator vehicle include:

• All-Electric Range - 40 miles (65 km)
• 0 - 60 mph (95 km/h) time - 8.3 seconds
• Top Speed - 84 mph (135 km/h)

Source: PR-USA.net, May 3rd, 2010