ALTe Powertrain Technologies and Manheim partner to retrofit ALTe range-extended electric powertrains in fleet vehicles
07 April 2011
ALTe Powertrain Technologies, the Michigan-based developer of a Range Extended Electric Powertrain (earlier post), is forming a partnership with Manheim, the automotive industry’s leader in remarketing services, regarding the installation of ALTe retrofit range-extended electric powertrains in fleet vehicles.
Under the partnership, ALTe’s fleet customers will be able to take their vehicle to a Manheim operating location and Manheim will retrofit their light trucks and vans with an ALTe series plug-in electric hybrid powertrain.
The major components of the ALTe powertrain will include a 20 kWh 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 (48 km) 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 (443 km) 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 8-hour timeframe from a 110-volt outlet or in about 4 hours from a 220-volt outlet. Fuel economy is projected to increase by up to 200% with no loss in cargo capacity, increased torque, and comparable horsepower and towing capability when compared with the old V8 engine.
The ALTe powertrain is targeted to the light truck market (full size pickups and vans) with a focus on commercial, government and utility fleets. Job #1 for ALTe is projected for spring 2012 with the company beginning to accept purchase orders at the end of 2011.
about time, hopefully its not just hot air talk.
Posted by: Herm | 07 April 2011 at 08:45 PM
They ignored what Artemis did with their refit of a passenger car. But the use of an old chassis is a good idea, and there is no return value in refitting most privately used automobiles. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 07 April 2011 at 10:06 PM
They could retrofit some fleets of pickups, but they could convert to CNG dual fuel at a lower cost and quicker payback.
Posted by: SJC | 09 April 2011 at 11:31 AM