Technology specialist Ashwoods has launched a new hybrid drive system for vans.

The system was originally developed and emissions tested on the diesel Ford Transit and the firm is working with several other manufacturers to create hybrid versions of their models.

The basic concept of the hybrid drive is to store energy produced by a vehicle in a battery and reuse it to assist the engine.

This assistance means that the engine doesn’t have to work so hard and therefore uses less fuel and produces less CO2.

Kinetic energy produced through braking is stored in the battery and then reallocated by Ashwoods’ vehicle interface system through an electric motor which is attached to the rear differential.

The motor assists in turning the drive shaft and so the engine does not need to work as hard.

A spokesman said: “Ashwoods is the first company to provide proven emissions data on a hybrid system.

"We have just completed our first round of emissions testing and have seen a reduction in CO2 emissions of 14.3% on the European drive cycle.

"Several areas for improvement were identified and we expect to see reductions of more than 20%.”

Installation can be completed in under three hours.

All components are assembled on existing holes and fixings, the bonnet is unopened and the kit can be removed and reused on replacement vehicles.

 

* For details, call Mark Roberts on 07876 682527 or email mark.roberts@ashwoods.org