ePower Engine Systems, llc. is a developer of
hybrid electric
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a type of hybrid vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) system with an electric propulsion system (hybrid vehicle drivetrain). The presence of the electric powertrain is intended ...
drive train technology for
Class 8 truck
Truck classifications are typically based upon the maximum loaded weight of the truck, typically using the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and sometimes also the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR), and can vary among jurisdictions.
United ...
s. It was issued US Patent 8,783,396 on July 22, 2014 encompassing their drive train technology.
US Patent 8,783,396'' ePower is in the final stages of its Research and Development of a
diesel electric
Diesel may refer to:
* Diesel engine, an internal combustion engine where ignition is caused by compression
* Diesel fuel, a liquid fuel used in diesel engines
* Diesel locomotive, a railway locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engin ...
kit for rebuilding older Class 8 trucks. The kit consists of a road-certified diesel engine, batteries, electric motor and an automatic transmission from major manufacturers.
["http://www.epowerengines.com/technology.html"]
Technique
ePower Engine Systems' technique is to have a diesel generator drive an electric motor and utilize an automatic transmission to drive the wheels of large Class 8 trucks (called semi trucks in the USA). Batteries are used to store additional power needed to climb grades and recharged either by the genset or regenerative braking.
The diesel engine being used is about 1/2 the size of a normal engine found in one of these trucks. Therefore, the diesel consumption is about thirty to forty percent less than a normal truck.
["http://nebula.wsimg.com/9a30b82ef429afaee7fb299df5e2bf7e?AccessKeyId=730A7BBD752D90E9E14F&disposition=0&alloworigin=1"]["http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/trucks/g116/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-semi-trucks/?slide=5"] The company is currently experimenting with an
Eaton 10-speed transmission and
Super capacitors. The
Cummins
Cummins Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and distributes engines, filtration, and power generation products. Cummins also services engines and related equipment, including fuel systems, controls, air ...
diesel engine
Marathongenerator an
Marathonelectric motor remain as in prior versions of the kit.
References
*Alternative Energy Stock
Bloomberg Businessweek Company Overview for ePower Engine Systems LLC
*Gust.com,
Startup ePower Engine Systems, Inc.
*Rich Piellesch, Fleets and Fuel,
Ten More Axion PbC Packs for ePower
, July 15, 2013
*World Industrial Reporter,
Class 8 Heavy Trucks to be Powered by Locomotive Technology
, October 1, 2013
*TheTrucker.com
ePower Engine Systems to debut hybrid drive train technology
, 3/28/2011
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External links
Official website
Hybrid electric vehicles