ADDZEV launched

A collaboration between leading UK automotive engineering organisations has resulted in the development of the first retro-fit hybrid conversion of a combustion-engine vehicle.

Known as the Affordable Add-on Zero Emissions Vehicle (ADDZEV), the project, which was first revealed by The Engineer in November 2008 (click here for details), demonstrates how it may be possible to convert much of the UK vehicle-fleet into hybrid vehicles.

Developed to reduce the carbon emissions of inner-city driving, the ADDZEV system was perfected using a standard Vauxhall Combo van.

Designed to operate as a ‘Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle’ (PHEV), the development team retained the existing conventional front-wheel-drive system of the Combo but added an electric drive, powered via Exide’s low-cost advanced lead acid batteries, to the rear wheels.

This transformed the van into a hybrid vehicle, capable of achieving an all electric range of more than 20km from one charge.