A novel Hybrid drive Researchers at Cologne University of Applied Sciences have developed four-wheel drive vehicles. The technology is intended to reduce fuel consumption by around a quarter, but not make a car more expensive than a conventionally powered 4 × 4 vehicle.
The heart of the drive system is a double-rotating electric motor whose abbreviation has given its name to the so-called "DrEM-Hybrid". The machine is mounted between the combustion engine and the axle, where it serves as drive source and power generator depending on the driving situation. At the same time, however, it replaces the transmission otherwise required at this point. Because the electric motor helps to start and accelerate, the engine can run permanently in the most efficient speed range. Compared to a comparable vehicle without electric assistance, the fuel consumption should decrease by 25 percent. And that despite the existing four-wheel drive, which is provided by two more electric motors on the rear axle. If required, thanks to the socket connection, the DrEM-Hybrid also enables a purely electric drive of around 25 kilometers in length.
At the same time, the technology is cheaper, according to Markus Böh of the FH Cologne than classic hybrid concepts such as Toyota Prius and Co. The price of a corresponding vehicle should be on the level of a conventional VW Golf with all-wheel drive. There are currently just under 25.000 Euro. Now the researchers of the Institute of Automation Technology are looking for industry partners to implement the concept.