FEV to Demonstrate Dodge Caliber-Based Range-Extended Electric Concept

The upcoming 2009 SAE World Congress will also showcase the introduction of a Dodge Caliber-based range-extended electric vehicle (ReEV) concept developed by FEV, a well-known powertrain developer. And speaking of FEV, the company designed most of the vehicle's propulsion system, including overall vehicle calibration, testing and validation, hybrid controls and powertrain development as well as design, analysis and packaging and High Voltage system architecture, development and integration.

The car will incorporate a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder 4-valve engine mated to a UQM PP75 generator that generates 41 kW (55 hp) of continuous power and 75 kW (100 hp) of peak power. There is a 20 kW-h liquid-cooled Lithium-Ion battery pack that works at 346V, according to figures provided by FEV.

In terms of performance figures, the Dodge Caliber-based range-extended electric vehicle concept sprints from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, with top speed reaching 84 mph (135 km/h). The integrated electric system provides an autonomy of up to 40 miles (64 km).

"FEV believes that to provide the most value to our customers, we must continue to develop innovative technologies and capabilities within our own walls, conceiving and developing projects that our customers will need now and in the future," said Dr. Joachim Wolschendorf, CTO and vice president of the Vehicle and Drivetrain Engineering Division of FEV, Inc.

"This ReEV concept vehicle has been developed as an internal R&D project, and gives us an opportunity to show our capabilities. We are also using this vehicle to evaluate different options for the engine/generator unit, and the associated calibration strategies."