Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Green, Ford
2009 Ford F-150 may feature Hydraulic Launch Assist
Five years ago Ford debuted the F-350 Tonka Concept, a big yellow concept truck that portended the design of future Super Duty trucks. Along with the chunky looks, the Tonka concept also featured a trick bit of eco-tech called Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA). The system uses a hydraulic pump/motor and high pressure accumulator to recapture kinetic energy when braking, which can then be released when the truck is accelerating to assist the engine. It's a type of mild hybrid system really, though its effect promised to be substantial.Rumors are swirling around the intertubes that a production version of Ford's Hydraulic Launch Assist technology will debut with the 2009 Ford F-150 at the Detroit Auto Show, or possibly a year later. A figure of 60 mpg was initially thrown around, though we're a bit skeptical a production version of HLA could hit the mark. A similar system, however, has already reached the roads on some special Hydraulic Hybrid UPS trucks that were developed by the EPA in conjunction with Eaton and International Truck, both of which are Ford suppliers, as well.
There's been no confirmation from Ford that the 2009 Ford F-150 will feature HLA, so we'll have to wait until January when the new truck is unveiled in Detroit to find out for sure. If HLA does make an appearance, it'll be the second major shake up in the full-size truck segment debuting in Detroit, the other being Dodge's switch to a coil-sprung rear suspension on the 2009 Ram.
[Source: All Cars, All The Time via AutoblogGreen]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
bmw 11:04AM (11/29/2007)
Now that could constitute a "bold move". Go for it, Ford.
Reply
nissanfreak87 11:11AM (11/29/2007)
That's pretty sweet, I'd love to see a better description/diagram of how this tech works, pretty snazzy
Reply
John P. 11:30AM (11/29/2007)
Yes, I'm with you. I would like to see the details of how this works. It sounds really interesting.
tikirob 11:17AM (11/29/2007)
They need to make sure to keep there truck business intact and this type of device - even if the end result is minimal - could keep it afloat.
Rob
Reply
Freestyle4x4f150 11:30AM (11/29/2007)
I agree that would be a very "Bold Move". That would be a genious move for sure. Ford will keep the crown of best selling truck for years to come
henrykrinkle 11:34AM (11/29/2007)
I suspect that the 60mpg figure that was stated back then was due to someone confusing MPG with percent since the EPA claims 60-70% mileage increase. Even so, city mileage for an F-150 is 13-14mpg and a 60% increase would bump it up to about 21-22. That sounds entirely possible and the system should be simpler and cheaper than battery hybrids. Hope it happens. Seems like a more likely system to be accepted by construction workers and fleet buyers since it's more 'low-tech'. Just hydraulic lines, a pump, and a tank.
Reply
tanooki2003 11:44AM (11/29/2007)
WHat's this I see? Can it be??? No Way!! I think it's actually a real BOLD move instead of the previous pink gloved sissy swishy moves they have been doing.
Reply
Steve 11:47AM (11/29/2007)
F1 has been toying with idea of using this type of technology...albeit, not the same name, but using braking power to store excess power to transfer back into the acceleration of the vehicle
Reply
sik59rt 11:49AM (11/29/2007)
it will probably break though b/c its a Phord
Reply
Hamud 11:51AM (11/29/2007)
I just can't picture this system, a diagram would be helpful.
Reply
John P. 11:56AM (11/29/2007)
It must be junk, Toyota isn't using it. In 5 years when they are, people will wonder why Ford has to borrow tech from Toyota all the time.
Reply
phoenexius 12:03PM (11/29/2007)
Here is a high level look at the Eaton HLA
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2004/10/eaton_and_peter.html
Reply
R.Autry 12:47PM (11/29/2007)
Thanks for the link. I am encouraged by the genius of the human mind. Also, the creativity of this solution to keep the internal combustion engine in the mix for years to come. Meets all the requisite needs. Saves jobs. Reduces fuel use. Saves the planet. This could still be used on a fuel cell application though. Or gas/diesel/electric hybrids. Think it thru. It would work.
Halaleuya!...We can keep the 6000 pound SUV cash cows moving. Sorry. Last minute lapse to reality.
BassClef 12:11PM (11/29/2007)
If this system has decent torque then maybe Ford could have a "Tow Haul" mode where the hydraulics are pressurized prior to take-off regardless of previous braking. A "City" mode could be set up where the engine runs at a constant RPM and drives the hydraulic pump, creating a low-speed hydrostatic system perfect for stop-and-go traffic. Most contractors understand and trust hydrostatic drives enough that I think selling this technology to them would be easy.
Reply
Commuter 2:09PM (11/29/2007)
You are thinking of a two-mode like in the Pious where the engine can turn a motor independant of the wheels. In this setup there is a hydraulic pump/motor attached to the driveshaft that will pressurize a tank when the brake is applied and then that tank will pump back into the pump to help turn the driveshaft when the gas is applied.
MikeW 12:58PM (11/29/2007)
Maybe Ford can get ZF's 8 speed auto, asap.
Sell it as a 7 speed auto. 2-8 for normal driving, 1-7 for tow/haul.
Reply
raz 1:03PM (11/29/2007)
Here's my issue, if Ford had the tech, how come they never used it to beat down GM. I bet if a truck buyer had to choose one of two very similar trucks he would have chosen the one that gives him 60% better MPG. And since this is not a battery based hybrid it can be had for much lower price.
So one needs to ask why Ford doesn’t already sell a truck with this system. Gas has been up there since 9/11/2001, Ford had all the reasons in the world to launch this system. And yet they didn't...................which only leads to one conclusion, this is simply a PR move to say oohh look we can make Hybrids as well as anyone.
Kudos to Alan Mullaly, he just joined a game and already he talks about super efficient (lies about) cars like a seasoned pro, ala Wagoner and Lutz. Way to go.
Reply
Mike 1:46PM (11/29/2007)
Your comment is a joke right?
You understand that companies use emerging technology in concept vehicles all the time right? That doesn't mean the technology is ready to go in now untested.
A fleet of UPS trucks is a good test bed on what kind of results are to be expected with something like this, then it has to be adapted to the platform they plan to use it on, then tested for both their own strict durablity testing and govenment saftey mandates. That doesn't happen overnight, it's a process that takes time to ensure these 2 or 3 ton machines operate relatively safely throughout their life.
My understanding from your past posts is that you are a pro-import domestic basher and if this were Toyota or Honda, your comment would be more like- Wow, T or H, really has all the best engineers and comes up with all the technology first, the domestics suck.
Mike 1:53PM (11/29/2007)
Sorry, I read my reply and it was a bit harsh towards you.
My overall comments still stand as to releasing new tech. If and when this goes into the new F150, it will be the first hybrid type vehicle that really is green for both manufacturing and use and not just use. I think Ford has been on that forefront for years (leather production/greenery on the roof of Dearborn assy, recycled interior materials, paint process, etc.) and has yet to really get credit.
Artie43 1:31PM (11/29/2007)
So where are the results of the UPS tests on this type of system. If we can see how well they have done, this may help push this new system in pickups/cars.
Reply