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Jan 11, 2005
Contact: Dave Stephen UCFV works on hybrid electric SUV fueled by natural gas Hybrid electric vehicles provide a cost-effective means of improving fuel economy while greatly reducing vehicle emissions. They also offer regenerative braking and energy storage capabilities. But little research has been done on the potential of a hybrid electric vehicle powered by natural gas (currently available HEVs are powered by gasoline). The University College of the Fraser Valley, in partnership with the University of Colorado at Denver, and ECO Fuel Systems of Langley, is researching the natural gas option by outfitting a prototype vehicle. This modified natural gas hybrid is the first passenger vehicle prototype of its kind. The prototype was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation through a grant to the University of Colorado. Members of UCFV’s Faculty of Trades and Technology have been working on the conversion of the vehicle in the Trades Centre at UCFV’s Abbotsford campus, in partnership with ECO Fuel Systems. Faculty from the University of Colorado at Denver’s Mechanical Engineering department tested and researched the functionality of the hybrid vehicle. The partners took a gasoline-powered 2005 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicle and converted it to a natural gas/gasoline dual-fuel system. “The Escape was an excellent vehicle to use as a platform,” commented UCFV Dean of Trades and Technology Harv McCullough. “We are just trying to take it to the next level through this research project.” The vehicle will soon be leaving the Fraser Valley for further testing in Denver. “This is another example of UCFV working hard to strengthen relationships with local industry and academic partners,” said UCFV president Skip Bassford. “We are happy to develop a productive working relationship with ECO, a leading researcher in the industry, as well as the University of Colorado.” Automotive instructor Vern Wright was the project leader for UCFV’s Trades and Technology Division. Dr. Sean Wright of the University of Colorado was the project leader for that institution. “It is exciting to see the latest developments, such as this tri-hybrid vehicle, in the alternative energy sector,” said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). “Through investments in environmental technologies, we can protect our natural environment, save energy costs, and develop high technology business opportunities.” “In response to a need clearly felt by the industry for such a dedicated R&T resource, we at UCFV, with the assistance of the Canadian National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance program and Western Economic Diversification, have been working on establishing an Alternative Fuel Vehicle Centre, as part of our Trades and Technology Division,” said Yvon Dandurand, Dean of Research and Industry Liaison at UCFV. “The centre will support the technology development initiatives of small and medium-sized companies that have existing product lines or potential products and services that relate to the motive power, storage, or drive-train elements of alternative-vehicle development in B.C.” UCFV has an in-house NRC-IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor, Anthony Edgar, to assist industry in developing future projects with the UCFV Alternative Vehicle Centre. The university college will be involved in a number of technical projects which will help meet the research and development needs of this industry. - 30 -
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