AFS Trinity looking at Delaware to build "150 mpge" vehicles there

We've been over AFS Trinity's incredibly weird "150 miles per gallon" claim before, so let's not get into it here (especially since General Motors has since come out with their 230 mpg number for the Chevrolet Volt). What we have now is an announcement by the start-up automaker that it is thinking about building production versions of its Extreme Hybrid SUVs at a facility in Delaware. Company officials have been meeting for months with local auto assemblers, developers and distributors to talk about developing and maybe making the vehicles in the state.

Exactly how the powertrain in the prototype XH150 (based on a Saturn Vue) works is not explained, but it is a blend of fairly standard plug-in hybrid components with ultracapacitors added into the system. The company says that the AFS Trinity Fast Energy system is a:

unique, patent-pending system of fast energy storage and delivery, comprised of off the shelf lithium ion batteries and ultracapacitors, actively managed by AFS Trinity's proprietary power and control electronics module and software.

Watch a video of the system in animated action after the jump. As for being able to buy one of these any time soon, no one's holding their breath, right?

[Source: AFS Trinity]

The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

PRESS RELEASE

AFS Trinity Considers Delaware For Manufacturing 150 MPG SUV

SYNOPSIS: Prototype XH150 uses a hybrid battery system that blends energy density of chemical battery with power density of ultracapacitor.

AFS Trinity Power Corporation today said it is studying Delaware as a potential site for the further development and assembly of its plug in hybrid electric vehicle the "Extreme Hybrid", and, starting today, will provide state officials and legislators with ride-and-drive demonstrations of two prototype AFS Trinity 150 mpg SUV's.

AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Furia said, "Delaware has embraced automotive technology dedicated to reducing greenhouse gases and American oil dependence. As a result, the state is attracting leading developers of plug-in hybrids and other next generation automotive technologies. We think this makes Delaware a very attractive place to roll out the first AFS Trinity Extreme Hybrids. This is why we have been meeting with Delaware-located auto assemblers, developers and distributors for several months to discuss the initial assembly and, possibly, the ongoing production of Extreme Hybrids."

"Delaware has a legacy of innovation that stretches back generations. We also have a growing reputation as a hub for the critical clean energy jobs of the future. Electric hybrid vehicles will certainly be an important part of that," said Delaware Governor Jack A. Markell. "I'm very much looking forward to seeing what the XH150 can do on the roads of the nation's First State."

The AFS Trinity prototypes, called Extreme Hybrids, are test track proven SUV's with fast acceleration, 90 mph highway speed and 40 miles of all-electric range on a single charge, farther than most Americans drive on a typical day.

150-MPG Calculation

Mileage is based on a typical week of driving: 40 miles, 6 days per week and 100 miles on one day each week. The first 40 of every day are electric and gasoline is used for longer distances. For this driving profile, the Extreme Hybrid uses up to 2 gallons of gas for 340 miles traveled which works out to 170 mpg, which the company rounds down to 150 miles per gallon to reflect potentially aggressive driving styles or a heavily laden vehicle. For a complete discussion of mileage issues, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) tab of AFS Trinity's extensive web site or just click on this link - http://www.afstrinity.com/faq.htm