27 Oct 08 14:11
Ford Transit
A retro-fit hybrid system fitted to a Ford Transit van has achieved an 18% reduction in fuel consumption.
In the trial by Connaught Engineering, the Hybrid+ system reduced fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 18% on the urban-simulation test cycle and by 11.5% on the open road cycle. The combined result was 15%.
In one city driving simulation test, a 24.7% fall in emissions and fuel consumption was recorded.
The Hybrid+ system, which uses lightweight supercapacitors rather than large batteries, can be fitted to a vehicle within a day. It is now being marketed to business fleets and other users, costing from £2,750 plus VAT.
