This Ford F150 plug in hybrid conversion by Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies takes the popular but low mileage pickup truck and turns it into a green high mileage machine. Even better, the conversion has greater low end torque for improved towing capabilities.
By integrating an electric motor/generator into the existing drivetrain and modifying the differential for better traction, plus adding advanced batteries and an adaptive control unit, the truck now turns in numbers of:
Up to 15 miles all-electric range
Up to 41 MPG for 30 miles/day mixed-speed driving
Up to 21 MPG as a hybrid (beyond all-electric range)
Though by no means ready to go into production, the company is looking to begin a small pilot program where individuals or organizations will provide a vehicle to be converted for $60,000. These conversions will demonstrate the technology and its benefits while showing the potential business opportunity as large numbers of conversions bring the costs down to a reasonable level and vehicle return on investment makes sense.
Think of all of the vehicles that this type of technology will work for, trucks, buses, vans, SUVs, all of those vehicles that currently exist in great numbers but get low mileage. The huge number of similar vehicles on the road make the conversions a high potential business. Look for more developments soon.
Link: HEVT via Autobloggreen