As you may know, Quantum Technologies is the company providing the series hybrid (range extended electric vehicle) propulsion systems for Fisker Automotive, which are showcased in the Fisker Karma and Karma Sunset luxury sedans. Now Quantum Technologies is introducing a 4-wheel drive system based on a diesel engine, but it's description hints that it may be a parallel hybrid while the engine runs:
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that it has introduced a fuel efficient, high performance diesel hybrid electric powertrain, "Q-Force," after six (6) years of development. This advanced, proprietary 4-wheel drivetrain can be configured for specialized military as
well as commercial applications.
The first application of Quantum Q-Force is in a JP-8 fuel compatible diesel engine-based, battery dominant, series-hybrid electric military Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV). A number of pre-production prototypes that incorporate Q-Force have been successfully developed and built for testing and evaluation by selected commands to assess mission suitability, supportability, performance objectives, and guidance on final vehicle configuration.
In one configuration, the diesel engine produces 75 horsepower, the electric motor, 133 horsepower, and the powertrain yields 5,463 foot-pounds of torque after gear reduction. Features of Q-Force include:
-- Sophisticated System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, incorporating Quantum's proprietary algorithms
-- Hybrid control system that minimizes battery size through optimized charge controls and regenerative braking
-- Optimized engine operation/calibration and generator performance
-- Advanced traction motor/transmission system
Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum said: "Our innovative diesel hybrid electric all-wheel drive system provides high performance, acceleration and extended range, resulting in significant advantages for the U.S. Army in communications, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance missions. We believe that Quantum's Q-Force drivetrain is also very well-suited for commercial applications including homeland security, border patrol, park service operations, and light-duty automobiles."
In 2008 Quantum introduced a gasoline plug-in-hybrid electric drive known as 'Q-Drive' in the Fisker KARMA 4-door sports sedan. Fisker Automotive, a 'Green American' car company co founded in 2007 by Quantum and Henrik Fisker, was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for a low interest loan of $528.7 million, under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program.
About Quantum:
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's portfolio of technologies includes electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, hydrogen storage and metering systems and
alternative fuel vehicle technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles.
Quantum's powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, natural gas, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum's customer base includes automotive OEMs, dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.
[Source: Quantum Technologies]
