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During a special scientific project (SFB 365), supported by the DFG, a parallel hybrid concept for passenger cars, called the Autark Hybrid, was developed, assembled and investigated. The drive line consists an electric engine supplied by a 120V-Ni/MH-battery for about 30 km electrical driving distance and a turbo diesel engine. Both engines use the same gearbox, the i2-gearbox, which is specially designed to have a wide spreading. Significant fuel savings are achieved by recuperation of kinetic energy and by avoidance of inefficient operation of the ic-engine at areas of low power demand. The results from the research project concerning fuel consumption, respectively fuel saving will be presented and discussed in this paper. The adjustment between simulation and test rig investigations shows problems by the practical realisation of operation strategy and operation mode of the powertrain elements. As result smaller fuel savings can be realised than predicted.

Range Extender Hybrid Vehicles (REHVs) offer a highly practical real-world solution exploiting the benefits of plug-in electric vehicle driving covering the majority of drivers daily requirements, with the elimination of range anxiety. Romax Technology have developed a new philosophy for hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain design focused on efficiency optimisation. Here we describe our approach and explore the design issues of REHVs to show the benefits.