GRRReen - Power Management Systems

A cool, breeze-driven drizzle did not dampen enthusiasm for green automotive technology Tuesday at the Clean Tech Car Show at UC San Diego.

We displayed the Ford F150 that we’ve converted to a prototype plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and fielded a variety of questions from interested students and guests of Connect, sponsor of the event.

Also on hand were ISE Corporation with their hybrid-electric bus, SDG&E with a plug in conversion of a Toyota Prius, an electric motorcycle from Vectrix, a Prius powered by Ni-Zn batteries from Power Genix, and other green technologies.

Many were curious about the performance of Ford F150 vehicle. In a nutshell, the GRRReen conversion prototype:

• Goes from 0 to 40 mph on electric power (and then the gasoline engine takes over)
• Is currently powered by a lead-acid battery pack (with a lithium-ion battery pack in development)
• Has a range of about 40 miles
• Is not available yet, but will be offered to fleets later this year

Following the expo, attendees heard John Addison, author of Save Gas, Save the Planet, discuss recent advances in hybrid automotive technology, biofuels and other fields related to greener driving.

Special thanks to Camille Sobrian and Taylor Peterson of Connect for hosting an informative event focused on bringing more attention to emerging green automotive technologies.

Posted by Tom Stacey on April 15th, 2009 Filed under Events, Featured • Tagged green cars, John Addison, plug in hybrid, Save Gas Save the Planet, UCSD