Abstract:The University of California, Davis FutureCar Team redesigned a 1994 Mercury Sable Aluminum Intensive Vehicle as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to meet the following goals: triple the fuel economy, achieve California Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle level, and qualify for partial zero emissions vehicle credits in California. Coulomb approaches these goals with an efficient powertrain, low vehicle weight, and an advanced control system. The UC Davis charge depletion control strategy maximizes energy economy and provides substantial all-electric operating capabilities. Coulomb's powertrain couples a small-displacement 32 kW Subaru gasoline engine and a 75 kW Unique Mobility brushless DC motor to a modified Nissan continuously variable transmission. This in-line parallel powertrain is simple, compact, and reliable. The motor is powered by a high-power 19 kWh Ovonic nickel metal hydride battery pack. Simulation results predict this vehicle will achieve 4.8L/100 km on the Federal Urban Driving Schedule and 4.2L/100 km on the Federal Highway Driving Schedule.