The website for AFS Trinity reads,
"On January 13th, the world of hybrids will change forever"
AFS Trinity has been working on a plug-in hybrid system that can turn a car into a triple digit mileage maker.
The main thrust of evolution behind the AFS system is an ultra capacitor that buffers the charge between it's batteries and regeneration system. The company says that the padding effect of the ultra capacitor and advanced electronic controls helps keep Lithium Ion batteries from overheating from the demands of heavy discharge and recharging. A major hurtle in using these batteries in plug-in hybrid electric cars.
The vehicle, plugged in overnight, can run solely on electric at all speeds for about 45 miles at which point it will be supplemented by a gasoline engine. The company hopes to sell the idea to an OEM vehicle builder or market it themselves.
Update:
DETROIT, January 13, 2008 . . . In just completed road tests, a 2007 SUV straight off an American automaker’s showroom floor and subsequently equipped with the patent pending Extreme Hybrid™ (XH™) drive train, exceeded 150 mpg, AFS Trinity Power Corporation reported today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
Wow!
If this actually goes into mass production, it would revolutionize the auto industry...not to mention the obvious benefits to the planet. I just hope this isn't another pipe dream that sounds great but never gets off the ground.
I am seeing super capacitor variations pop up all over now... it's only a matter of time.