Design and Construction of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville FutureTruck 2000/2001 Parallel Hybrid Vehicle

FutureTruck 2001 is a collegiate design competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors aimed at challenging engineering students from fifteen universities across the country to convert a stock, gasoline-powered Chevrolet Suburban to a hybrid vehicle. The goals of this competition are to dramatically increase fuel economy while maintaining stock performance, safety, and consumer acceptability. The modified vehicles will be judged in several different categories including greenhouse gas emissions, acceleration, trailer towing, and cost to manufacture. The competition site is at the GM Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan.

The University of Tennessee decided to utilize a parallel electric-assist hybrid for the Suburban's drivetrain configuration. This configuration was chosen for its simplicity and reliability. The stock 5.3L Vortec spark ignition engine was replaced by a 2.4L diesel provided by Alfa Romeo. Visual Computing Systems in partnership with Delco-Remy provided a prototype SEMA (segmented electric magnetic array) electric motor for engine assist. The stock drivetrain was retained from the transmission to the drive wheels.