Hybra-Drive hydraulic hybrid to undergo HTUF testing
It's not often that a Hummer is pictured here on AutoblogGreen but this particular brute, owned by hydraulic hose and belt supplier Gates, is being converted to a hydraulic hybrid using a system developed by Hybra-Drive. We introduced them to you in '07 and now that they're making some news, we wanted to bring them back. Their set-up, you'll remember, uses a conventional engine to pressurize a hydraulic system to send power to the wheels which is said by the company to reduce fuel consumption by more than half and reduce emissions as much as 90 percent.
It seems this small Deerfield, MI business has been chosen over some of the more established firms like Eaton to "negotiate with the Parcel Delivery Working Group of the Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) in Pasadena, Calif. for validation and testing of hybrid hydraulic power on parcel delivery vehicles," according to the Great Lakes IT report on WWJ Newsradio 950. HTUF is a branch of Calstart that, through forums and working groups, works to help commercialize hybrid designs for trucks. So maybe we'll be seeing hydraulic hybrid systems used in vehicles besides the Peterbilt garbage truck at some point in the future.
[Source: WWJ Radio]
No brainer of the day! GM to bring Chevy Beat to US market
2009 BMW 7-series leaks, possible hybrid coming in a year
Honda unveils Japanese FCX Clarity - now with more heated seats!
GM hybrid finally starting to get a little traction, 1,149 in June
Shai Agassi pitches $100 billion plan
At Witz' End - Gas Prices - What To Do, What To Do?
Sensible AAA recomments not trying "dangerous fuel-saving techniques"
Is the Volt nothing more than bailout bait?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-11-2008 @ 10:07AM
jmspearman said...
Yeah baby, I can keep my full-size Hummer! Glad to hear that assaults on the mall, soccer field, and church will still remain viable. I'll go pick up one of those assault rifles the Republicans made legal, some urban camouflage from urban outfitters, and my ensemble will be complete.
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 10:37AM
Taser said...
Spearman, Grow up.
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 10:46AM
rj said...
spearman got tasered - and so early in the morning too
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 11:47AM
BassClef said...
According to the article, this is a series hybrid, just like the Ford Explorer 4WD that the EPA built in 2004 using a VW 1.9L diesel engine. That vehicle was estimated to get nearly 60MPG. Using a Hummer one could easily expect mileage in the upper 30's at least.
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 1:19PM
Tim said...
Series-Hydraulics "should" be less expensive and have greater efficiency than electric series in large vehicle applications. The real point here is don't buy a large vehicle like SUV or Pick-up truck unless you REALLY NEED it. If you buy it, you should not ask the taxpayer to help you pay for it.
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 1:39PM
Chris said...
So this is basically a car with a normal engine but an hydraulic drivetrain rather than a conventional transmission. And we are supposed to believe that this relatively minor modification saves 50% fuel? If that were true all cars would have it. Get real!
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 2:37PM
rj said...
This is a great idea for heavy stop and go vehicles. You capture braking energy much more efficiently than with an electric and re use it on acceleration. Not really useful on the highway though.
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 6:44PM
jamesFF said...
Regenerative braking will not work on a Hummer. I have driven one before, if you were to take your foot off the accelerator for a second the truck will suddenly slow down to an idle.
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 8:10PM
Kevin Nugent said...
Well what are the savings in fuel ??
Reply