Proton unveils prototype Hybrid Car Developed In Collaboration With Lotus

Various changes have been made to the Proton 1597cc CamPro petrol engine to accommodate the EVE Hybrid system. The main modification was the redesign of the front end accessory drive to accommodate a Valeo 'StARS' starter/alternator, which drives the micro hybrid start-stop system.

The redesigned accessory drive also accommodates a Sanden hybrid Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) compressor that operates by conventional belt drive and has an additional electrically driven capability which enables continued air conditioning operation when the engine is stopped.

The traditional belt driven power steering and water pumps have been replace with electric units to enable the investigation the economy benefits they can provide.

The specially manufactured electric motor and power electronics were developed in conjunction with specialist suppliers ElektroMagnetix and Turbopower Systems to meet the tight packaging constraints and to minimise any loss in overall vehicle performance.

The motor/generator and power electronics are water-cooled and include an auxiliary power unit to support the vehicle's 12volt systems.

An additional AP Racing clutch is packaged inside the motor and connects the IC engine to the traction motor allowing the engine to be switched off for electric drive only use.

A Punch Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has replaced the conventional transmission and a modified bell housing accommodates the electric traction motor.

The EVE Hybrid uses a Cobasys Series 1000, NiMH, 30kW 144V module that incorporates an integrated cooling system. This traction battery pack is securely mounted on the boot floor, displacing approx 47 litres of luggage space.

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