Alpha Core / Poulsen Hybrid PHEV Retrofit Kits

By Eric Boyd on June 28, 2008 8:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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PHEV,

Poulsen Hybrid

Some of you might remember the interview I conducted with Alpha Core / Poulsen Hybrid team members Ulrik Poulsen and Sandu Pescaru, a few months ago. I've finally gotten around to making a page for their PHEV retrofit kit, which has gotten quite a lot of positive press and inquiries. The release date has been pushed back by a couple of months since then (to this fall), but otherwise everything looks to be going very well. Check out the new Alpha-Core / Poulsen Hybrid page (PDF), or read on for the same information.

Short Description: PHEV retrofit system
Availability & Cost: $4200, late 2008

Background and Details

Poulsen Hybrid is a system for retrofitting existing cars into PHEVs. Two wheel-motors, two controllers, and a battery pack are added for $4200 + $600 installation
Batteries are lead-acid, but they anticipate having an option for a lithium-ion battery pack as well (~$4k more)
The car shown above is a retrofitted VW Jetta TDI (diesel); the car to be raced for the AXP has not yet been chosen
They hope to manufacture 100-150 systems PER DAY by the end of 2008; over 100 car dealers and auto shops have enquired about becoming authorized installers
System is safe - they claim the experience with the system on is like going down a 3 degree incline all the time
They use the break-light signal to turn the system off
More powerful motors suitable for SUVs and heavier vehicles are in the works
Public reaction (e.g. on blogs) has been very positive
References: Poulsen Hybrid June20Update FAQ Details Autoblog Green Orange Hues Engadget XPC Interview

Vehicle Stats

MPGe	Electricity is typically 3x as "efficient" as gasoline, so they are going to need to choose a very efficient base vehicle to get 100MPGe on average
Weight	300 lbs total 38 lbs extra unsprung mass on each wheel
L x W x H (ft)	width: adds 2" to each side at curb height, 3-4" at center of hubcap
HP	14 HP
Range	provides >30 minutes of electric boost
Battery Info	6 deep-cycle lead-acid 72V x 120Ah = 8.6 kWh
Charge Time	@10 amps, 12 hours max
Motor	5 kW hub motors (2)