A hydraulic hybrid retrofit system dubbed HyPER Assist is expected to afford fuel savings on the order of 40% when it goes into service early next year, says Colorado’s Lightning Hybrids.
Even with a selling price of $17,900 — plus a thousand or two for installation — payback will take inside of three years, says Lightning business development and marketing VP Bonnie Trowbridge.
Lightning’s HyPER Assist will be available initially on General Motors 2500 and 3500 pickups, and later on other vehicles. Sales start in November, and installations in January.
The 40% fuel savings figure should be validated next month, Trowbridge says. The company has meanwhile posted a nifty savings calculator on its website.
Lightning Hybrids is hosting a ride-and-drive at its headquarters in Loveland, Colo. November 15-18.
The firm is using hydraulic accumulator shells from Worthington/SCI (Structural Composites Industries).
Ballroom 44.
HyPER Assist by Lightning Hybrids
Colorado’s Lightning Hybrids is looking to certify fuel savings of 40% for its hydraulic hybrid retrofits, to go on sale for GM pickups in November, with installations commencing in January. Hydraulic accumulator shells by Worthington/SCI
My only concern with this unit is that the regeneration is coming from the rear axle, and that might affect braking stability (a unit small enough for a front-driver would be neat). However, I can see applications like UPS/Fedex, the Post Office, garbage trucks, and yard tractors (vehicles with lots of stop-and-go) that have huge potential. I would happily allow my 1993 K1500 Suburuban to be used as a test bed. It still gets 14-15 in town, but jumping to 20 would be quite the deal.