Freedom Motors ordered an electric Honda Civic hatchback from AC Propulsion. Under contract to DARPA, we converted the vehicle into a series hybrid using a Rotapower Engine and Unique Mobility generator. This power management scheme runs the gas engine at peak efficiency against the generator to charge the batteries and extend the vehicle's range. This allowed a direct evaluation of the benefits offered by a Rotapowered hybrid.

Engine Freedom 530cc Rotapower Optimized for Low Emissions Engine Performance & Efficiency Peak Power: 30 hp Power at Peak Efficiency: 14hp Weight: app. 40 lbs. Generator Unique Mobility SR180P/CR20-300 Generator Performance & Efficiency Max Regen Voltage: 225 Vdc Rated Power: 32 KW Max No Load Speed: 7,000 rpm Weight: 84 lbs. (motor & controller) Vehicle Speed Up to 70 mph