Crosspoint Kinetics, a subsidiary of Cummins Crosspoint, has developed a second-generation parallel-electric hybrid system that can be used in package delivery applications.
The Crosspoint Kinetics S3000 hybrid offers improved durability and control software, and easily interfaces with a vehicle to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the company says.
"We have addressed many of the problems with first-generation hybrids, such as expensive batteries, less-than-satisfactory reliability, and complex integration into a vehicle," said Crosspoint Kinetics product director John McNichols. "The S3000 deploys ultra-capacitors and offers a design that makes it easy to install and remove. It is compatible with gasoline, diesel, propane, and compressed natural gas engines and can be installed in new and used vehicles; even transferred from one vehicle to another. By addressing the inflexibility of first-generation systems, we have made it easier for operators and customers to participate in the greening movement toward alternative fuels."
The system generates 100% of its electricity while decelerating or braking and then uses that energy during acceleration. Third-party and field-testing shows 10-30% reductions in fuel use, the company says.
"An operator has full control of how much electricity can be generated, captured, and reused for acceleration. Our system offers a choice of extra acceleration or fuel economy performance depending on how the operator wants to use it," McNichols said.
The system is currently in limited production with bus OEMs and will enter full production in the fourth quarter.
