Not surprisingly, alternative powertrain technologies were very popular during the recent Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC), where 100 fleet managers from over 50 investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors from across the U.S., Canada and South America were joined by representatives of more than 100 industry suppliers.
The EUFMC Equipment Demonstration featured more than 60 displays, including a wide variety of new alternative technologies. Included was a very promising solution from ALTe Powertrain Technologies. The company’s range of extended electric powertrains for light- and medium-duty vehicles up to 26,000 lbs. GVW will be available initially through a nationwide network of conversion facilities. Eventually, ALTe expects to sell and license its technology to OEMs.
The major components of the ALTe powertrain include a 20kWh lithium ion battery pack, a four-cylinder engine, electric drive motors, a generator, a proprietary hybrid controller unit and HVAC modules. The powertrain is projected to provide an initial 30 miles of driving in an all-electric mode, powered directly from the lithium ion battery pack. The vehicle can then drive an estimated additional 275 miles in a charge-sustained mode before the vehicle would need to be either plugged in or refueled. The battery pack can be charged within an eight-hour timeframe from a 110-volt outlet or in about four hours from a 220-volt outlet.
Significant improvements in lithium ion battery technology and manufacturing are poised to make vehicles powered by electricity even more economically attractive to fleets, noted Dennis Baranik, vice president of sales and marketing. As battery cost is still relatively high, however, the company is employing what it calls “transitional technology” in the form of an extended range electric powertrain.
“ALTe powertrains will deliver equal or better performance at a fraction of the operating cost of comparable gasoline powered vehicles,” Baranik said. “This solution can maximize electric miles driven with no range anxiety. Fuel economy is projected to increase by up to 200% with no loss of cargo capacity, increased torque, and comparable horsepower and towing capability when compared with a V8 engine.”
ALTe, a shortened version of the words Alternative Energy, is reaching out to supplier partners and fleets to develop its new electric vehicle technology. Recently, it announced a three-year contract with Remy to supply HVH 250 electric motors that will act as an onboard generator to recharge batteries and deliver electric drivetrain traction power for ALTe’s powertrain conversions.
ALTe also announced a joint venture with Inmatech Inc. to produce hybrid electric storage (HES) devices composed of batteries, supercapacitors and control electronics. The technology will enable longer life for battery cells while reducing costs. ALTe and Inmatech have also submitted grant applications to various federal funding agencies, including the Department of Energy.
An agreement has been reached between ALTe and Manheim to provide installation of its powertrains in vehicles. With this partnership, fleet customers will be able to take vehicles to a Manheim location for retrofitting with an ALTe hybrid powertrain.
ALTe also has created an advisory board of delivery, utility and commercial fleets, including representatives from Calcars, Club Assist, Consumers Energy, Cox Communication,
DIRECTV, Enterprise, Film Vehicle Services, Frito Lay, NCH, PG&E, Stantec, Service Master and Waste Management. “By gaining important insights from these large fleet users, we will be able to better address their needs and ensure a seamless transition to harnessing the benefits of electric hybrid use,” said John Thomas, CEO. “These fleet managers have decades of experience operating many thousands of vehicles, and their feedback is invaluable.”
ALTe plans to produce its first powertrain in summer 2012 and will begin taking orders from interested fleets at the end of 2011. For more information, visit www.altellc.com.
Note: The 59th Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference will be held June 3-6, 2012, at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center in Williamsburg, Va. (www.eufmc.com)
