Ricardo Showcases Hybrid Technology at the 2007 New York International Auto Show Taxi '07 Exhibit
VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., April 3 // - Demand for fuel-efficient, environmentally-responsible vehicles is on the rise as the public, government and vehicle manufacturers look for ways to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Ricardo - a leading global technology, engineering and business consulting partner for automotive, commercial vehicle, military and related transportation market sectors - will showcase a cost-effective micro hybrid powertrain system in the Taxi '07 exposition at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). This technology, which could have significant impact on emissions and fuel consumption, is very well suited for taxi and small delivery truck applications.
"The hybrid system we are displaying at Taxi '07 represents an excellent fit for New York's stop-and-go traffic," said Jeremy Holt, president of Ricardo US. "Although called a micro hybrid, the benefits can be very significant. Most vehicles can accommodate this system, including taxis. If this technology were applied to all New York City taxis, Ricardo estimates that 10.8 million gallons of gasoline per year could be saved, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 105,000 tons of CO2 per year."
In Ricardo's micro hybrid system, the standard alternator is replaced by a more efficient electric motor-generator. The system is termed micro, because the hybrid system is a small increment to the existing powertrain. The additional cost of the micro hybrid system is minimal. With this hybrid system, when the vehicle idles in traffic jams and at stoplights, the engine shuts down. This reduces fuel consumption, while also reducing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrous oxide emissions. When the driver moves his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal, the electric motor starts the engine instantly and silently. Also, energy generated during braking can be captured and used to power the vehicle, again contributing to further efficiency gains.
The Taxi '07 exhibit will be located at the inner roadway of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center at 11th Avenue and 35th Street in New York City and will be open during the public days of the NYIAS, which will run Friday, April 6 through Sunday, April 15.
With its North American headquarters in Van Buren Twp., Mich., Ricardo - a world-leading vehicle system and powertrain technology provider for automotive manufacturers, heavy-duty manufacturers and tier one suppliers - has been providing value through innovation and technology for 100 years.
Ricardo is the premium global deep-content engineering and management consulting partner for automotive, commercial vehicle and related industry sectors. The company provides complete engineering services from strategy through product concept, design release and validation, and all phases of the product lifecycle. Ricardo technical expertise lies in powertrain and driveline, vehicle engineering, hybrid and fuel cell technologies, controls and electronics, niche volume manufacturing and advanced simulation software.
Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge. A public company based in the U.K., Ricardo plc posted sales of $320 million in fiscal year 2006 and is a part of the FTSE techMark 100 index - a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com.
Source: Ricardo
Web site: www.ricardo.com/
