FEV, a developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, has showed its Dodge Caliber-based Range-extended Electric Vehicle (ReEV) with plug-in capability at the April 30, 2010 opening of the new UQM Technologies production facility in Longmont, Colorado.

FEV has entirely developed ReEV propulsion system, including performance modeling and simulations; component selection and procurement; design, analysis and packaging; high voltage system architecture, development and integration; hybrid controls and powertrain development and testing; and complete vehicle integration among others.

According to FEV, the Caliber-based demonstrator incorporates a UQM traction motor, as well as a UQM generator, and is one of a number of products being utilized in FEV customer projects.

The 1.0L, 3-cylinder, four valve engine mated to a UQM PowerPhase 75 generator that provides 41kW of continuous power in extended-range mode, with a peak power of 75kW is incorporated in the ReEV propulsion system.

The company said that the energy storage system consists of a 20 kW-h liquid-cooled lithium ion battery pack that operates at 346V, with a Delphi DC/DC converter, while a UQM PowerPhase 125EX traction motor powers the wheels.

The demonstrator vehicle features all-electric range of 40 miles, and it can cruise from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds and reach up to a top speed of 84 mph.

Dr Joachim Wolschendorf, CTO and vice president of the Vehicle and Drivetrain Engineering Division at FEV, said: “While the Caliber was developed as an internal R&D project to show our capabilities, it also allows us to evaluate different options for the engine/generator unit and the associated calibration strategies.

“One such project that we recently announced was the development of a 40kW Auxiliary Power Unit coupled with a 3-cylinder gasoline engine to extend EV range.”

The company said that the Caliber ReEV concept is one of several new hybrid vehicle technologies that are being developed in FEV’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Development Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

UQM Technologies develops and manufactures high power density and highly efficient electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, aerospace, military and industrial markets.