The Centre de technologies avancées BRP at the Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) was granted C$11.3 million ($11.3 million U.S. at the current exchange rate) to develop a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Can-Am Spyder roadster – a three-wheeler produced by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). The Can-Am plug-in hybrid will feature a 600 cc engine linked to a 20 kW electric motor that’s powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The total range for the plug-in version is expected to be 375 miles, 20 of which can be traversed without the gasoline engine firing up.
Mihai Rasidescu, president and general manager of the CTA, sums up the goals that will drive the development of the plug-in hybrid Can-Am:
“Our goal is to develop completely new electric hybrid technology for a three-wheel vehicle that uses 50 percent less fuel and reduces CO2 emissions by 50 percent while maintaining its speed, power and performance.”
The project’s research team is headed up by professor Alain Desrochers from the CTA’s mechanical engineering department. The development team includes 30 individuals from the CTA and BRP. Desrochers describes the specific challenges that must be overcome in developing a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Can-Am:
“Creating a three-wheel vehicle as opposed to a hybrid car poses significant design challenges that require a very high degree of innovation. These challenges include the lack of space to accommodate hybrid motorization, cooling problems, aerodynamics, vehicle weight, and noise. Everything must be studied and modified.”
Source: Green.AutoBlog.com
Via Future Transportation - Can-Am Spyder Roadster Hybrid (video)
