Vehicle Design
Penn State’s Vehicle at a Glance:
- Platform: 2009 Saturn Vue
- Architecture: Series Hybrid
- Front Wheel Drive
- Motor: GM Electronic Traction System
- Engine: 1.3L SDE L4 Diesel
- B20 Bio-Diesel Fuel
- Generator: UQM PowerPhase 75
- A123 Li-Ion Battery
- Enhanced Brake Rotors
The EcoCAR competition will be based around the 2009 Saturn Vue. The Penn State Advanced Vehicle Technology team will be working to convert the stock car into a series hybrid. The vehicle will be powered by General Motors Electronic Traction System (ETS) and will remain a front wheel drive car. Auxiliary power will be provided by a 1.3L diesel engine connected to a Light Engineering permanent magnet generator. Some of the highlights of the vehicle will include the ability to run either in EV-only mode, or as a range extending hybrid. Also we will be reworking brake rotors to improve performance and save on weight.
The Image to the right is a highly simplified cad model of how components will be laid out within our vehicle. With the front of the vehicle on the right, the components are as follows:
- Blue - 1.3L Diesel Engine
- Grey - UQM Generator
- Red - GM ETS Unit
- Black and Green - A123 Battery Pack
