100-MPG SUV

Rather than a small car or compact SUV, the FEV/Raser project puts their technology into a full-size sport-utility vehicle. Why so big? "We thought it had the biggest wow factor," said Jim Spellman, vice-president of business development at Raser. Rather than making a modest effort, they sought to "convert the worst offender."


Plug-in hybrid technology is what makes such mileage figures possible. FEV/Raser calls its project an "electric vehicle with a Range Extender." They claim that 100-plus mpg will be typical in local daily driving.

Peak Efficiency
A small gasoline engine (two liters or less) will be installed, but it's intended for only occasional use. Mainly, it's there to charge the three liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery packs. Running on electricity alone, the vehicle is expected to have a 40-mile range.


Doesn't sound like much, though it's enough for many drivers. At that point, if the vehicle hasn't stopped for recharging at a plug-in electrical outlet, the gasoline engine starts up to handle the charging chore. Serving as an on-board generator, it's never used to propel the vehicle, only to charge the batteries. Therefore, the gas engine always operates at its peak efficiency. Specifically, the engine is said to run at 30 percent efficiency, rather than the customary 15-20 percent. Total range before plug-in charging at a 110- or 220-volt outlet is required may reach 400 miles, and Raser asserts that the vehicle produces "near zero" emissions.


Despite using a four-cylinder engine rather than the usual truck V-8, shrinking the gas tank, and other alterations, the plug-in hybrid vehicle will weigh about 1,000 pounds more than its conventional gas-engine counterpart. Plugged in at home, charging cost is estimated as equivalent to paying 60 cents per gallon of gasoline.

Domestic Partner
Originally designed by Raser Technologies, the concept was developed by FEV. Of course, no actual vehicle exists as yet, to verify the companies' claims. At the SAE Congress, the FEV/Raser people would not divulge the name of the auto company with which they're working, but Spellman noted that it's a "domestic OEM" (original equipment manufacturer), which logically suggests one of the Detroit Three. Also described as a "global OEM," that automaker will be identified when an actual vehicle is unveiled, later in 2008.