University of California Transportation Center

The UC Davis FutureCar team has redesigned a 1996 For Taurus as a hybrid electric vehicle with the goals of tripling the fuel economy, achieving California ultra low emissions levels (ULEV), and qualifying for partial zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) credits in California. These goals are to be achieved by using a highly efficient powertrain, reducing vehicle weight, and improving stock vehicle aerodynamics. A charge-depletion parallel hybrid was chosen to maximize energy economy and provide substantial all-electric operating capabilities. The UC Davis FutureCar couples a Honda 660 cc gasoline engine and a UNIQ Mobility 48 kW-peak brushless permanent magnet motor. Each can provide torque to the wheels and are combined within a compact, lightweight, and reliable powertrain. The motor is powered by a 16.6 kWh Ovonic Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack. The body of the vehicle has been reshaped using carbon fiber composite panels to improve airflow characteristics and to reduce weight. Computer simulations indicate that the vehicle will achieve an equivalent fuel consumption of less than 4.7 L/100 km (53 mpg) and a range of 400 km on a combined federal urban and highway driving schedule. The vehicle is predicted to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 12 seconds and have an all-electric range of 95 km.