Prototypes

A PHEV prototype being prepared for testing.

A plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) prototype is prepared for testing at Argonne National Laboratory.

What is a PHEV?

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV, is similar to today's hybrid electric vehicles on the market today, but with a larger battery that is charged both by the vehicle's gasoline engine and from plugging into a standard 110 V electrical outlet for a few hours each day. PHEVs and HEVs both use battery-powered motors and gasoline-powered engines for high fuel efficiency, but PHEVs can further reduce fuel usage by employing electrical energy captured through daily charging.

Prototype as Rolling Test Bed

As part of Argonne's multifaceted PHEV research program, Argonne researchers have constructed a PHEV prototype that serves as a rolling test bed to assist in the development of advanced electric vehicle drivetrain components, control systems, and test procedures for competitive evaluation.

Powertrain

This prototype parallel hybrid electric vehicle is based on a stock Saturn Vue Greenline sport utility vehicle, which is a "mild hybrid" platform. In addition to the internal combustion engine/transmission powering the front wheels of the vehicle, Argonne added a second electric drive powertrain to power the rear wheels.

This powertrain consists of a 100 HP electric motor drive/transaxle that derives its energy from a liquid-cooled Saft-JCS 10kW Li-Ion battery pack and battery charger. This battery pack has greater energy storage capacity than those used in typical hybrid vehicles on the road today, and is designed to be "plugged-in" to an electrical outlet to charge the battery overnight. Unlike currently available HEVs, this vehicle's additional powertrain allows it to operate on electricity only, up to highway speeds, for commuting to work or local errands—without having to start the conventional gasoline engine. The conventional engine is always at the ready when the battery is completely depleted or when longer trips are required.

Control System Allows Alternatives

The Argonne-developed custom embedded control system used in this vehicle allows it to run as an all-electric vehicle, conventional mild hybrid vehicle, or as a combination gas/electric hybrid vehicle operation.

Funding for this Research

The PHEV research is funded by the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program.

November 2007