The Power of Balance
The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) concept is the next step in the evolution of hybrid vehicles.
A PHEV is essentially an HEV with a larger battery that can be recharged from an external source; in most
cases using standard house current. A PHEV operates in a manner similar to an HEV, but the additional
battery reduces the need for engine charging, thus reducing fuel consumption.
Purpose-built PHEVs will be able to operate on electric power alone for distances of up to 40 miles. As typical daily driving distances are usually below 50 miles, there is little advantage to using even larger batteries for greater range. PHEV batteries need to have several times the capacity of HEV batteries. However, the loads per cell are lower so the batteries do not require elaborate cooling systems.
The ALP Connection
ALP offers PHEV battery pack/control software modules in a range of sizes. Our base 336 V system, designed for the Ford Escape Hybrid, has a capacity of 5 kWh and can provide 10 miles of battery-only range. ALP is also developing a 40 mile range version of this pack for the Ford Escape. ALP’s PHEV packs are complete Energy Storage Systems that can be integrated into any hybrid vehicle with minimum customization. We are also designing custom packs for ground-up PHEVs that require optimized packaging.
ALP believes that the next step in mainstream hybrid vehicle development is a low range PHEV such as a PHEV10. This is essentially an HEV with a slightly larger battery and a plug-in capability. An ALP Lithium Ion pack of this size is comparable in weight and size with existing Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) packs but provides 3 times the capacity. It can be recharged from a 110V outlet in 4 to 5 hours. Using opportunistic charging during the day, the system has a comparable fuel saving potential to a PHEV40 pack at a fraction of the cost. Given the rapidly increasing costs of nickel, a Lithium Ion PHEV10 pack can be manu- factured at costs comparable to NiMH packs.
