Design and Development of the 2002 UC Davis FutureTruck

Abstract

Yosemite is an advanced hybrid electric vehicle built on the Ford U152 Explorer platform. The University of California, Davis, FutureTruck team designed Yosemite to meet the following objectives: 1. Maximize vehicle energy efficiency 2. Minimize petroleum consumption 3. Reduce fuel cycle greenhouse gas emissions 4. Achieve California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) target 5. Deliver class-leading performance The University of California, Davis FutureTruck team redesigned a 2002 Ford Explorer as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle to meet the following goals: reduce fuel cycle greenhouse gas emissions by 67%, double the fuel economy of a stock Explorer, meet California’s Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standard, and qualify for substantial Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle credits in California. Yosemite meets these goals with an efficient flexible fuel hybrid powertrain, improved component systems, and an advanced control system. Yosemite incorporates two independent powertrains to provide four-wheel drive and achieve stock towing capacity. The primary powertrain combines a 1.9L flexible fuel engine with a 75 kW brushless DC motor driving the rear wheels. This powertrain configuration is simple, compact, reliable, and allows flexibility in control strategy. The secondary powertrain is a 60 kW AC induction motor and reduction transaxle gearbox. Together, the two powertrains allow Yosemite to achieve high efficiency under normal operating conditions while matching stock vehicle performance. A 16.5 kWh nickel metal hydride traction battery pack powers the electric motors, providing up to 50 miles of all-electric range. Yosemite’s superior fuel economy, low cost of operation, and performance, combined with advanced composites, telematics systems, and other consumer features make it a desirable and competitive vehicle in today’s market.