A hardy side to hybrid technology

There is a need for action to reduce exhaust emissions from 3.5-tonne-gvw vans on UK roads. Fuel cells remain a long-term proposition, but Eneco, based at the former ZeTe, Power site in Slinfold, UK, is concentrating on diesel/electric hybrids. Eight Eneco hybrid light commercial vehicles are being built for Exel, Tesco and local authorities. The hybrid system, called Epack, has been tested in two Optare Solo midibuses in Manchester and Bristol. The eight Eneco vans in build are based on the Volkswagen LT engine. A Siemens generator mounted near the engine's flywheel feeds a bank of 26 batteries that power a 312-volt traction motor that drives a reduction unit. The 12-tonne-gvw Solo uses a 1.9-1itre VW Tdi engine. Six more Epack drivelines are being built for Solo buses ordered by Merseytravel. Eneco has been awarded a government grant of �276,000 from the new vehicle technology fund and the Solo bus has been added to the PowerShift register, where it qualifies for a grant of �12,000. Typical fuel savings associated with the hybrid system are outlined. Eneco aim to reduce the payback period for the extra capital cost of its hybrids to no more than 3-4 years.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00203122
• Authors:
  • WILCOX, D
• Publication Date: 2005-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 21-3
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORT ENGINEER
  • Publisher: Institute of Road Transport Engineeers
  • ISSN: 0020-3122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality management; Buses; Delivery vehicles; Design; Economics; Electric batteries; Financing; Hybrid vehicles; Manufactures; Motors; Operating costs
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 1315: Battery; 1272: Bus; 1234: Delivery vehicle; 9011: Design (overall design); 255: Economics; 2433: Emission control; 244: Financing; 1291: Hybrid vehicle; 3647: Manufacture; 1334: Motor; 221: Operating costs; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Design; Economics; Energy; Environment; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01019955
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Mar 9 2006 8:24AM