The electric Hi-Pa Drive Ford F-150 concept vehicle uses one of the world's favorite pickups to demonstrate what OEM and specialty-equipment innovators can do today to make powerful, profitable vehicles that are clean and fun to drive. Built by U.K.-based PML Flightlink in collaboration with Ford, the F-150 concept is powered by four in-wheel motors that can deliver 600 combined horsepower. It will be on display at the 2008 SEMA Show in the Ford Motor Company booth.
Hi-Pa Drive effectively replaces the mechanical drivetrain, gearbox, transmission, engine, exhaust, gas tank and the differential in the F-150 concept vehicle, freeing up space for a 40-kilowatt battery under the chassis with no loss of load space. The Hi-Pa Drive system acts as a motor that delivers over 150 hp per wheel and a powerful generator that recaptures more of the kinetic energy lost during braking than other hybrid technologies, according to project representatives.
Each 66-lb. motor delivers over 150 lb.-ft. of torque where it matters most—in the wheel—at any speed. Together, the four motors installed on the F-150 deliver more power and torque than the 320-hp 5.4L V8 that was removed from the truck.
The master vehicle controller included in the system gives designers the option to control each wheel independently or as a single unit—the truest form of all-wheel drive. The light, compact nature of the Hi-Pa Drive system makes it simple to install on almost any vehicle and easy for systems integrators to create new applications and designs that meet a wide variety of needs.
The compact motor can fit almost anywhere—in the wheel, on standard bearings or on dead axles and other small spaces. The system allows designers and builders to eliminate the oil, carbon emissions and cost from the vehicle while adding power, room, performance and driver control.
13-Nov-2008
64889
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The PML Flightlink guys know their stuff , this form will be in widespread use in the future.
Posted by: Keith Tomilson
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07-Dec-2008
65071
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Paul, I spent nearly 2 hours looking through YouTube for the video you were talking about. All I saw was 2 prototype runs which were never intended to show off the capabilities of the car. I have in the past seen footage of the Hyper Mini PML put together using the same hub motors and it was wild. No smoking tires (the control software stops that), but fantastic acceleration.
Take out half the batteries, put the Hyper Mini's 20kW genset in it, and put a E-150 (van) body on it and I'll take one. Just tell me how much to make the check out for.
Posted by: William Dryden
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17-Nov-2008
64931
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I like the idea of a piggy back system. An electric motor that bolts between the u-joint and differential using a simple flat plate. It will free-spin when not energized. Add to that 10 lead acid batteries in the back and controllers inside. The engine can idle all the time to provide steering, brakes, heat and AC until the batteries are used up. Charge it at home. How much gas does a F150 use in an hour idling?
K-I-S-S
Posted by: Davey Heberg
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18-Nov-2008
64940
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Seems Andy Grove (from Intel fame) had some idea of using this principle for converting existing trucks. As I recall it was to use NiMH batteries ($$$) of 12kwH. Pricing for the electic motor, controller, differential and such was something like $60k. That's alot of $$ to put into an existing vehicle. Maybe not a good choice for batteries right now. Interesting concept to modfiy existing vehicles using the differentials.
Would be nice to know how much gasoline a 5L V8 uses per hour idling at 700rpm.
Posted by: Frank E
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18-Nov-2008
64949
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Its a different version of the GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado hybrid theory. Use the engine only in "idle mode" for the accesories. Use the electric motor for all the city driving. Additional batteries would need to fill the bed of the truck. Currently that electric motor for the GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado hybrid is used for a few seconds from a stop. Why not use that to drive around? Just like the Prius conversions that now use additional batteries and the electric motor FULL time. Granted this will still use fuel - but maybe double/triple the city mileage. Seems ludicrous, but the vehicle can still be used in the conventional way when power is needed. Twelve lead acid batteries at 65lbs each is still less than 1,000lbs. Less than $1k cost. If the electric motor is not quite up to it, what retrofit would it take to make it go, let's say 40 mph?? Wonder if anyone at GM even is thinking along these lines....
Posted by: Davey Heberg
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14-Nov-2008
64908
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GM & Ford, lets make this a production vehicle. With Economies of scale this shouldn't be cost prohibitive.(the more they make the more affordable the vehicle parts...and thus the vehicle itself.)
Posted by: Jim Dean
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18-Nov-2008
64941
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You left quite a lot of things out that the e-drive replaces! Just saying 'engine' is a bit of an understatement. How about starter motor, air filter, air intake manifold, fuel lines, fuel filters, fuel pumps, carburettors (or fuel injection system), water pump, coolant pipes, radiator, fans, alternator and all the various sensors and engine management devices modern vehicles are fitted with. Replaced by a battery, battery management system, and power inverter/charger system and heavy duty wiring. I think the e-drive system even including the battery isn't any heavier than all it replaces. People are shocked at the weight of batteries. . . have they stopped to think how much a 5.4 L engine with all its accessories weighs? A ton? Can't be far short.
Posted by: Tony Maine
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25-Nov-2008
65056
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Don't get too excited. If you look around YouTube you'll find videos of test drives of these motors on 3 cars and the performace is pathetic in all. They will only show the motors under light load conditions at constant speed, minor grades noticably slow it and there is one video that shows the Lightning GT stopping and starting that you'll be just laughing at it's so pathetic. Yet this company repeatedly states in public that these motors give a car 600hp and 4000nm of torque, that's EV TORQUE from 0 rpm. Way too much BS with this company!!
Posted by: Paul Taylor
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18-Dec-2008
65204
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Batteries would need to be more advanced. Interesting that an idling F150 might be able to partially charge the batteries - yet providefor ALL the accessories. The same principle as AC Propulsion Ebox without removing the current driveline. Likely a $50k conversion for motor, controller, batteries and labor.
Posted by: Jeff P
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