Fuel Economy and Performance Impact of Hybrid Drive Systems in Light Trucks, Vans & SUV's

Fuel economy and emission improvements have been demonstrated with the application of hybrid electric drive systems to a variety of vehicle types. These include hybrid systems known as integrated starter alternator, mild hybrids, and heavy hybrids. The fuel economy and emission improvements for the integrated starter alternator and mild hybrid applications have been demonstrated through the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.

Heavy hybrids applications consist of a significantly smaller engine assisted by a high peak power electric motor to provide additional power to the engine for acceleration and recovery of a higher degree of braking energy. Light trucks, vans, and SUV's typically have a large difference between the gross combined weight of the vehicle and the fuel economy test weight. Heavy hybrid powertrains offer significant fuel economy and emission improvements in this type of application.

This paper will explore the application of heavy hybrid powertrains to light trucks, vans, and SUV's.