Interesting extended range electric F150 conversion.

Link to Article:

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/altes-plug-in-hybrid-ford-f-150-unveiled-at-the-work-truck-show/

From the article:
"At the 2010 National Truck Equipment Association Work Truck Show this week, ALTe LLC, based in Michigan, showed off a Ford F-150 that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain installed. Of course, because everybody's got to make their mark, ALTe calls their system a range-extended electric powertrain (REEP). File this along with General Motor's extended-range electric vehicle (ER-EV) as a different name without a meaningful distinction. These are all plug-in hybrids.

In any case, the demonstration truck uses a 25 kWh lithium-ion manganese oxide polymer battery pack and 82 kW Remy DC drive motors that provide a 52-mile all-electric range. When needed, a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder normally aspirated gasoline engine generates power for the battery. In this charge-sustaining mode, reports Green Car Congress, the truck's fuel economy is about 32 miles per gallon. The powertrain offers 295 pound-feet of torque and has a towing capacity of 6,500 lb."

I don't know the projected cost but it may be an interesting option for those of us that can't live without our pickup trucks. Now if someone (GM?) would do that to my Jimmy - 50 mile electric, range extender and towing capacity. I may nee to take a cold shower.:)

There's going to be a LOT of EV and EREV conversion companies popping up, as besides the hightened level of interest, there's clearly much more DIY hardware available to choose from. For a few thousand dollars anyone can but a motor, pack, inverter, converter, and associated hardware (even in kit form) to create their own EV. Since not everyone has the expertise to perform such conversions, a cottage industry of sorts has materialized. As battery power becomes more and more available this is only going to increase IMO.

A good thing I guess, but I worry somewhat about the safety of not only those in the conversion but others sharing the roadway.Lots of things to go wrong in even a minor fender bender for instance. I built my first DIY EV (DC "pump-jack" motor & 24 6-Volt truck batteries in an '82 S10) over 20 years ago and I certainly wouldnt want to see that 'Frankenstien" motoring around the my neighborhood my these days! LOL

I am contemplating doing another one though, just for fun.(and I'll be able to do it "right" this time, since there's so much hardware available ;) ) There's even some DIY EREV solutions like that sweet Getrag EV drive assembly posted elsewhere. (although when I called Getrag in Germany they told me they havnt any sort of retail distribution network and are looking more for OE customers) :(

But if I do another DIY EV/EREV it'll be parked right next to my Volt. That's for certain. :D
WopOnTour

Link to a new article - http://www.greenchipstocks.com/articles/electric-car-conversions/778
This article talks about ALTe and other conversions.