11/18/97 - AC Propulsion's Device Shows Hybrid-EV Benefits
San Dimas, Calif. - Electric vehicle (EV) technology-developer AC Propulsion reports it has
developed a new product, an emissions-monitoring device it has already used to confirm
real-world-driving emissions benefits of hybrid EVs. The laptop computer-based system is capable
of real-time readouts of emissions in grams-per-mile measurements. Testing of the company's EV
"range extender" - a compact, trailer-mounted 20-kilowatt generator - reveals emissions remain fairly
constant, even during aggressive driving. In comparison, a 1998 vehicle certified to California's
Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard produced two to four times allowable levels of carbon
monoxide and nitrogen oxides when driven on a 10-mile course AC Propulsion says more accurately
simulates the way "typical" Los Angeles drivers operate their vehicles. Commercial availability of the
system is scheduled for the first quarter of 1998. The company, co-founded by the developer of the
original power electronics for General Motors' Impact EV, intends to market the device to
automotive engineers and perhaps automobile-magazine road-testers.
[AC Propulsion]
[madkatz]
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