AFS Trinity, Ricardo announce joint Extreme Fleet program

AFS Trinity Power Corporation and Ricardo plc have announced creation of Extreme Fleet, a joint program to offer Extreme Hybrid fleet vehicles that use no gasoline at all on most days without sacrificing vehicle size or power.

Many fleet operators are expected not only to save up to 75% of what they are now paying for gasoline and diesel, but also to dramatically reduce fleet maintenance costs.

On Sunday May 4 fleet managers from around the country will be introduced in person to the Extreme Hybrid at the 2008 NAFA Institute and Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. On Monday, May 5, they will be able to drive the first Extreme Hybrid prototypes—two XH-150s— as part of a NAFA Green Ride and Drive event. The XH-150 SUV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) capable of 40 miles on a single charge, 87 miles per hour in all-electric mode, unlimited range in mild hybrid mode, and faster acceleration than gasoline only versions of the same vehicle.

The new Extreme Fleet program will be headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, USA, with special purpose vehicle development to be conducted at AFS Trinity's engineering center in Livermore, California as well as at Ricardo facilities in the U.S, Europe and Asia.

"Our Extreme Hybrid SUV's travel more than 40 miles in all electric mode on an overnight charge. There are hundreds of thousands of fleet vehicles in the U.S. that travel less than 40 miles a day," Furia said. "On these days, Extreme Hybrid versions of these fleet vehicles will use no gasoline or diesel at all. In situations or days when longer trips are required, they can automatically switch to conventional hybrid mode and travel any distance."

Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo plc added, "Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can offer the potential for fuel efficiency improvements and reduced operator running costs. If you multiply the fuel economy saving percentage by the annual fuel cost these savings can be significant,” he said.

The Extreme Fleet program will focus on building and licensing special purpose vehicles using specially designed or existing car, truck and SUV platforms. The vehicles are expected to bear AFS Trinity trademarks— Extreme Hybrid, XH and/or “Powered by Fast Energy”

In January, AFS Trinity unveiled the first 150 mpg SUV prototypes, called the XH-150, and, last month, people across the country, including U.S. Congressman and their staffs, were given their first opportunity to drive an Extreme Hybrid. XH-150s travel up to 87 miles per hour and have a range of 40 miles in all-electric mode on an overnight charge of household current. Extreme Hybrids also accelerate faster than gasoline-only versions of the same model cars.

"Our principal focus remains the elimination of dependence on oil and the reduction of greenhouse gases by providing consumers cars, SUVs and trucks that can go unlimited distances but, which, on many days, will use no gasoline at all because most people drive less than 40 miles a day," Furia explained. "However, since unveiling the XH-150 in January, a number of police departments, local government bodies, private fleet operators and federal agencies have approached us about applying our technology to solve their mounting gasoline cost problems."