CalMotors Partners With Parker Hannifin on Hybrid and Electric Powertrains

2 June 2009

CalMotors, powered by Parker. Click to enlarge.

CalMotors, makers of high performance hybrid (series and parallel) and electric powertrains, has formed a strategic alliance with Parker Hannifin Corporation to produce fully integrated powertrain solutions for the automotive and marine industries. Parker can provide motors, inverters, systems design and manufacturing.

In addition to developing fully integrated powertrains, CalMotors has also designed, engineered, fabricated and tested several advanced technology vehicles for military, commercial, and consumer applications. Ruf engaged CalMotors to combine the lithium-ion batteries with the motor for its electric Porsche, as an example. (Earlier post.)

For years, we have searched for a manufacturing partner that could adhere to our uncompromising standards for quality and performance, and after two years of discussions with Parker, we believe that not only have we found a manufacturer with the best record of quality, but also an agile and forward-thinking company ready to move quickly as we lead the industry with our high performance hybrid and electric powertrain products.

—Mike Kasaba, CEO of CalMotors

CalMotors peak torque capability by model. Click to enlarge.

CalMotors groups its Integrated Traction Drive Systems into five basic classifications:

• Subcompact, compact, and other lightweight applications requiring 75kW or less
• Mid-size and Full-Size cars, small trucks, and other applications between 75kW and 150kW
• Single-speed and multi-speed sports car applications between 150kW and 250kW
• Delivery trucks, transit buses and other applications requiring 150kW to 300kW
• Class 8 trucks, excavating equipment, and other applications requiring 300kW or more

Each integrated system includes the following:

• Traction Drive Control
• Traction Motor (permanent magnet or AC induction)
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for user inputs, CAN communication, and hybrid control
• GUI laptop interface to control system
• Information Display for vehicle prototyping and testing
• Generator motor and controller (hybrid systems only)
• Engine throttle servo control (hybrid systems only)

Parker Hannifin also develops hydraulic hybrid systems. (Earlier post.)

With annual sales exceeding US$12 billion in 2008, Parker Hannifin is the world’s leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets.