Class 4 vehicle aims to combine CNG, PHEV technology benefits

Efficient Drivetrains Inc (EDI), a provider of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and continuously variable transmission systems, announced a partnership to develop a Class 4 vehicle that combines the benefits of compressed natural gas (CNG) and PHEV technology.
In partnership with Greenkraft, CALSTART, and the California Energy Commission, the collaboration supports the movement in California toward a zero emissions environment. The effort combines EDI’s intelligent PHEV powertrain with Greenkraft’s CNG-powered 14,500-pound, Class 4 medium-duty truck. EDI’s system can improve the fuel economy of a conventional CNG-powered medium-duty truck by more than 40%.
“EDI’s CNG-PHEV is a first-of-its-kind innovation, and represents an entirely new market application for EDI’s proprietary technology,” said Joerg Ferchau, co-founder and chief executive officer of EDI. “The CNG-PHEV delivers a market-disruptive vehicle that will help fleets switch from petroleum-based liquid fuels—gasoline and diesel—to domestically available, cleaner-burning natural gas and electricity. Technology possesses tremendous potential for commercial viability and can play an essential role in helping California meet its long-term carbon reduction and short-term zero-emissions goals.”
In certain duty cycles with shorter daily mileage requirements or where periodic plug-in recharging is possible throughout the day, it may even be possible to completely eliminate the use of CNG, achieve 100% all-electric zero-emissions vehicle operations, and achieve an effective MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) of 26.9—an improvement of 300% over the baseline CNG truck.
EDI’s announcement came simultaneously with a grant approval for the combined partnership by the California Energy Commission of funding from its Energy Research and Development Division. The unanimously approved $900,000 grant supports the state directive to accelerate research and development of advanced natural gas engine-hybrid electric vehicles for light- and heavy-duty applications.
EDI develops and markets a range of state-of-the-art proprietary drivetrain products and technologies that have direct application in PHEVs, HEVs, and BEVs worldwide. Go to www.efficientdrivetrains.com for more information.