AFS Trinity, Pushing Plug-In Hybrid's Performance

What do you say to a plug-in hybrid, PHEV SUV that gets 150 miles per gallon?  Does it even exist?  Yes and AFS Trinity has pushed the PHEV platform to the extreme with their Extreme Hybrids I test drove for you.  It's a wonder no car manufacture has of yet snapped up their technology.

Pushing The Performance Envelop.  When we think of performance, we often think speed, horsepower and engine torque.  Though AFS Trinity has all of these, what it shines with is superior miles per gallon fuel efficiency, 150mpg, to be exact.  Their Extreme Hybrid technology is very impressive and even though I am not an SUV and pickup truck fan, their XH-150 is proof that these heavy vehicles can be efficient and offer high performance.

Technically speaking, their XH-150 is a modified stock Saturn Vue SUVs.  The results is a very responsive SUV that handles far better than the original version.  The company slapped on a lithium and ultracapacitor battery packs, with a powerful 200 horse power electric engine, which controllers and manages to synchronize the torque balance between the gas and electric engines.  It also decides when to use the ultracapacitors as needed for an extra boost.  Using regenerative braking to recoup that lost braking energy to recharge the battery pack, all of these features give this incredible SUV a remarkable fuel efficiency.  That is the genius behind the idea of coupling lithium-ion batteries with ultracapacitors.  Ultracaps are perfect for quick accelerations, while taking of the load off of the lithium batteries and boosting their life expectancy.  It's a feast of technology. 

The Extreme Hybrid™ Plug-in drive train is composed of five primary subsystems: (1) advanced lithium batteries recharged at night with off-peak power from the grid; (2) Fast Energy Storage™ using ultracapacitors for acceleration and regenerative braking; (3) advanced power electronics and control software; (4) internal combustion engine; and (5) electric traction motor and generator. In miles per petroleum gallon, the XH-150™ plug-in hybrid SUV achieves 150 mpg.  The closest hybrid, HEV SUV on the market barely achieves 34mpg.

Tackling Lithium Life Expectancy.  The problem with the life expectancy of lithium batteries is that it is shortened by the continuous discharge and recharge. The answer was to couple them to high power density ultracapacitors that relieves the lithium pack from abuse and extends their life cycle to a 10 year, 150,000 mile life with the Extreme Hybrid™ SUV.

First Impression.  You sit in as you would in any normal SUV.  Upon closer inspection, 2 new amp meters gauges pop up sitting side by side on the dash, one for the lithium battery, the other for the ultracapacitor pack.  The ignition key knob has three position, off, position 1, which is electric only, and 2 for full hybrid.  Turn to the first position and nothing happens.  It is always a disconcerting feeling, reminiscent of there is a problem.  Not in the case of the XH-150, which sports a smart parallel plug-in hybrid, PHEV layout.  One of the key features of this SUV, which anyone can rejoice from is that it lets you be in control of the vehicle by choosing how and when you use the gas and electric engine, alone or together.  It felt refreshing having the choice to drive in electric mode only for less 40 miles, or use the gas engine, or both.  This should appeal to many consumers considering the lack of choice in hybrid operation.  It gave me a sense of freedom.

What was very impressive about this SUV was how it behaved.  The re-engineering of the vehicle, with the strategic laying out of the batteries completely changed its balance.  If regular SUVs are not the best handling cars with their vague steering, this one will change your mind.  AFS Trinity's engineers have put a lot of serious work into it and the performance are light years ahead of the original model.

Acceleration and Performance.  This is where the XH-150 shines.  In full electric mode, the SUV whizzes along traffic with no hiccups.  It's quiet and smooth.  Press the accelerator harder and you can feel the ultracapacitors kicking in, giving you that indescribable and typical boost.  The charge gauge shows the ultracaps draining and as soon as you let off, it charges right back.  This should relieve any fear of running out of electricity and so called "range anxiety" fear. 

At a leisurely speed, you can start the gas engine for added boost.  In this configuration, the SUV comes alive with a full 370 hp.  And the fuel economy?  Sit down Hummer drivers, this will hurt.  It is estimated at 60mpg, full throttle, both engines on.  Truly, incredible considering the handling and performance of this vehicle.

Here is a cost comparison with other technologies either on the market.

The XH-150 As An Everyday SUV.  If 78% of US drivers drive less then 40 miles a day, then the electric only mode will satisfy most.  This is the type of vehicle where you would spend nothing of gas during the week, and use that saved money for longer weekend trips with the gas engine.

In conclusion, if it wasn't already obvious, I liked it!  If I approached with a healthy dose of skepticism, I was impressed by the feel and drive of the XH-150.  The re-engineering morphed a regular SUV into a high performance one.  If on paper it looked good, it was a joy to drive on asphalt.  The SUV inspires a deep respect for the team behind it and technology put into it.  Why haven't mainstream car companies snapped up AFS Trinity's technology and make it available to the public?  It's hard to fathom.  We can only imagine drivers needing the extra space would buy such a vehicle that gets 150 mpg, with a freedom of operational choice.  It also proves that American technology and quality is well and alive.