University of Idaho FutureTruck 2004

University Transportation Centers Program2004PDFTech ReportBlackketter, Donald M.Beyerlein, Steven W.Albrecht, FrankNational Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology (NIATT) (U.S.)University of IdahoUnited States. Department of Transportation. Office of University Research and EducationUnited States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) ProgramNational Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology (NIATT) (U.S.)IdahoDesignElectric vehiclesEmission control devicesEnvironmental protectionFuel consumptionHybrid vehiclesRecommendationsCollege studentsCompetitionEducation and trainingEnvironmental impactsLightweight materialsPower train componentsSport utility vehiclesN04-09KLK344This report outlines the re-engineering by the Advanced Vehicle Concept Team (AVCT) of a Sport Utility Vehicle to meet the goals of the 2004 FutureTruck Competition. FutureTruck challenged 15 schools to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions of a 2002 Ford Explorer while maintaining the performance, safety, utility, and convenience of the stock configuration. Included in this report is an overview of the competition requirements, summary of the vehicle design features and research results. The objectives of this year's University of Idaho FutureTruck project were to: research and implement clean vehicle technologies that reduce the impact of transportation on the environment; educate students and provide them with practical experience; and increase awareness and support of clean vehicle initiatives and progress. The product of the work was a hybrid drive train that operates like any other vehicle. The vehicle's primary fuel was gasoline, an energy source that could be implemented with today's infrastructure. The hybrid components were lightweight, representing only 5% of the mass of the vehicle, and small enough to be easily integrated into other platforms. Key to the challenge, the vehicle had reduced emissions and improved fuel economy while maintaining safety, utility, convenience and performance similar to the stock vehicle.127