Evo Electric Plug-in Hybrid 'Black Cab'
This will be the first public demonstration of EVO Electric’s DuoDrive hybrid system, an original powertrain solution that gives improved driving performance and fuel economy for a range of commercial vehicle applications including taxis and delivery vans. The technology will help London and other cities meet their carbon reduction goals, while also providing commercial vehicle manufacturers and operators with a cost-effective means of meeting upcoming emission regulations.
DuoDrive was developed by EVO Electric engineers, combining their cutting-edge Axial Flux motor and generator technology with their expertise in hybrid and electric powertrain design. In recent tests, the DuoDrive taxi demonstrated a 56% improvement in miles per gallon compared to a standard London Taxi, and simulations predict that an improvement of 100% is possible with further optimisation. Testing was done at an independent vehicle test centre, certified by the UK Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and part of one of the world’s largest ‘Tier One’ automotive supplier groups.
Another advantage of DuoDrive is its flexibility - with the DuoDrive system fitted, the taxi can operate in three different modes: as a zero-emission, all-electric vehicle in urban and emission-controlled areas, a series hybrid-vehicle in urban and extra-urban environments, and a parallel hybrid when cruising on the highway. Also, the system enables smoother acceleration and braking due to the absence of a gearbox.
“Hybrids are a proven solution to increasing fuel economy in urban commercial vehicle fleets, where ‘stop-and-go’ driving, long idling times and high annual mileage combine to provide highly attractive payback times for hybrid powertrain solutions. However, current hybrids are too heavy, too expensive and too complex. Implementing this exciting technology will halve CO2 emissions while helping taxi drivers cope with upcoming regulations and fuel price increases.”
- Michael Lamperth, CTO of EVO Electric.
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