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Holden and the CSIRO have jointly developed a unique hybrid-electric
powered Commodore that uses only half the fuel of a full-sized family car.
The experimental
joint-project uses an electrically driven motor to supplement a four
cylinder conventional engine. In addition to the 50 per cent reduction in
fuel consumption, the advanced technology also dramatically reduces
hydrocarbon emissions.
The concept vehicle, which is in its final stages of development, will be
unveiled in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
A first for an Australian car manufacturer, it is also a world first
application of hybrid-electric technology to a full-sized family car.
Speaking at a seminar today to launch the unique technology, Holden’s
chairman and managing director, Peter Hanenberger, said the automotive
industry has an important role to play in support of Australia’s commitment
to achieving control of greenhouse gas emissions.
"This project provides a tremendous learning platform for Holden engineers
and our partnership with Australia’s peak scientific organisation, the
CSIRO, positions Holden at the technological forefront," he said.
"We know that the challenge ahead is substantial. For the next 10 years, the
Prime Minister has announced an industry-wide target of 15 per cent
improvement in fuel economy over and above the advances the industry had
already set itself," said Mr Hanenberger.
"Although Holden improvements in fuel economy over the last 10 years have
come from many technologies that are close to the world’s best, the next
decade will require some innovative, even adventurous initiatives."
Utilising local expertise
The all-Australian project also brings together many innovations from the
local components industry as it too strives to meet future fuel consumption
requirements.
In addition to the unique hybrid-electric powertrain, the Holden concept
vehicle will demonstrate technologies aimed at achieving weight reduction,
improved aerodynamics, reduced rolling resistance, minimised energy losses
during braking and improved engine efficiency.
CSIRO’s chief executive of the Australian Automotive Technology Centre,
David Lamb, said Australia has several novel technologies that suit a
hybrid-electric car.
"CSIRO has expertise in batteries, electric motors, electrical power system
management and supercapacitors," said Mr Lamb.
"All these areas of expertise are being applied in this creative approach
to hybrid-electric propulsion, that will demonstrate Australian ingenuity
and attract the interest of the global automotive industry."
The Holden hybrid car is a parallel hybrid, using a four cylinder engine and
an electric motor to drive the wheels, either individually or in unison. The
car primarily uses the electric motor for its propulsion, but when the
electricity supply from the batteries and supercapacitors run low, the
conventional engine takes over.
While the conventional engine is driving the car, the electric motor acts as
a generator, charging lightweight batteries and supercapacitors for later
use. The car also uses regenerative braking which converts kinetic energy
normally lost in braking to electric energy to drive the car later.
Technologies from Holden, CSIRO, and the Australian components industry, and
the use of lightweight materials and clever aerodynamics, combine to attain
driving performance levels that are comparable to the current Commodore, at
the same time achieving dramatic reductions in fuel consumption and
hydrocarbon emissions.
The hybrid vehicle will support Holden’s role as Team Millennium Partner for
the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and will take part in selected legs of the
Olympic Torch Relay.