Students and faculty at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) are currently testing a laboratory prototype of a new fuel saving technology. They have been developing a plug-in hybrid retrofit kit which can be installed on virtually any car.
They have created two DC brushless electric motors which are fitted to the existing hub of each rear wheel – no mechanical adaptations are required to the wheels, brakes, suspension, etc.. These motors are powered by a large lithium-ion battery pack housed in the back of the vehicle. Their tests on a 1994 Honda station wagon improved fuel economy by 50-100%, and they are suggesting a consumer cost of $3000 – much less than the plug-in hybrid vehicles coming onto the market.
To learn more about this innovation, read the article on the MTSU website, and watch the video explaining how it works. Would you add this technology to your vehicle? Add your comments below!
