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It’s no secret electric and hybrid cars are popular with consumers. But what if small business owners could turn their current vehicle — even a commercial van or truck — into a hybrid?
Researchers at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey have developed a new kind of plug-in hybrid system for commercial vehicles. “This system is the first of its kind,” according to Anthony Adrignolo, director of FDU’s Automotive Enterprise Studies program. Adringnolo and Sai Sankar, chief research engineer at Fairleigh Dickinson, have developed a converted Plug-in Hybrid Ford E-150 Van. The van’s breakthrough hybrid system was designed, engineered and installed at Fairleigh Dickinson, and was funded in part through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The FDU researchers note the van is unique because it is one of the few plug-in hybrids among commercial vehicles. Its innovative, on-demand hybrid drive system can be used to convert any commercial vehicle on the road. “What makes this system unique is that it is designed for existing gasoline-powered vehicles,” Sankar says. “It can be installed in any commercial vehicle on the road.”
It is an on-demand system, according to the researchers, and the driver has complete control over whether the hybrid system is on or off, allowing for maximum fuel efficiency. This new system addresses a common problem: there are very few plug-in systems currently available for commercial vehicles. Using a standard electrical outlet, this system can recharge in only five hours.
The FDU researchers would be happy to demonstrate the system in the van, which can be seen in action in this video: