Proton and Lotus Engineering develop Proton GEN2 EVE Hybrid Concept

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Lotus Engineering will have this on display at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, a Proton GEN2 equipped with Lotus Engineering’s EVE Hybrid technology. EVE, which stands for Efficient, Viable, Environmental, basically pairs Proton’s 1.6 litre Campro engine with a 30 kilowatt (40 horsepower) electric motor. The hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain drives the front wheels using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox.

The hybrid system also has a start-stop system for the gasoline engine to be shut off when unneeded. The engine restarts automatically when the brake pedal is released. The electric motor is positioned between the engine and the gearbox, and supports regenerative braking to recharge its 144V battery located in the GEN2’s boot.

The Proton GEN2 EVE Hybrid Concept has significantly lower emissions than it’s pure petrol sibling, with CO2 output only 134g/km from 172g/km. Average fuel economy rose from 6 litres per 100km to 4.6 litres per 100km. The combined output of the electric motor and the Campro 1.6 litre engine is 141hp, equivalent to a 1.8 to 2.0 litre engine in modern times, giving it a 0-100km/h time of 9 seconds and a top speed of 190km/h. Torque rises from the stock 148Nm at 4,000rpm to 233Nm at 1,500rpm.

Perhaps we can see this Lotus EVE Hybrid technology being implemented in our local Proton cars soon, or perhaps we will be able to use that CVT transmission to replace the current 4-speed auto of which ratio’s do not match the Campro’s torque curve at all. A CVT would be wonderful for keeping the Campro’s revs within it’s powerband, allowing for a more comfortable and stressless drive.

More photos after the jump, as well as Lotus Engineering’s full description of the Proton GEN2 EVE Hybrid car.

Related Posts:
Lotus EVE Hybrid at the Proton Technology Week

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Technologies in the EVE Hybrid technology demonstrator

A number of the technologies featured in the EVE Hybrid are production-ready, employing systems deliberately sourced from established tier one suppliers in order to demonstrate the availability of components, the minimisation of development costs and to maximise business case viability.

The EVE Hybrid features three key technologies:

(1) Micro-hybrid stop-start system:

A starter-alternator system was integrated that switches the engine off when the vehicle stops, during town driving for example. The engine restarts automatically when the brake pedal is released.

As a result, noise, emissions and fuel consumption are reduced. The unit runs on the standard vehicle 12volt electrical system and combines both starter motor and alternator functionality. Fuel savings of 5% have been demonstrated with a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions.

(2) Full parallel hybrid technology:

A bespoke 30kW, 144V motor is packaged between the engine and transmission. It delivers electric drive or regenerative braking via an additional clutch linking the motor to the drivetrain. The motor provides the same start-stop functionality as the micro-hybrid with the additional benefit of electrical drive or drive assist, either boosting the drivetrain performance or providing economy and emissions benefits by operating as an electric vehicle. The motor is powered by a 144 volt battery located in the boot.

Testing has confirmed simulation predictions of 28% fuel efficiency improvement and 22% CO2
emissions reduction.

(3) Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

The CVT is a transmission in which the ratio between the input and output shaft can be varied continuously within a given range, providing an infinite number of possible ratios. The integration of a CVT gives benefits in fuel consumption and emissions control. In addition, its compact package assisted in the application of a hybrid electric drive and it provides smooth acceleration and low transmission noise.

Performance benefits of EVE Hybrid technologies Extensive performance and drive cycle modelling of a production hybrid variant using the technologies on the EVE Hybrid indicate the following comparative vehicle performance figures:

(1) EVE Hybrid in micro-hybrid mode with start-stop system:

MPG: 41 (5% increase from baseline)
Max torque: 148Nm @ 4000rpm
Max power: 82kW / 110hp @ 6000rpm
0-62 mph (0-100kph): 12.6 sec
Top speed: 118mph
CO2: 164g/km (5% reduction from baseline)

(2) EVE Hybrid with full parallel hybrid configuration:

MPG: 50.2 (28% increase from baseline)
Max power: 105kW / 141hp @ 5500rpm
0-62 mph: 9 sec
Top speed: 118mph
CO2: 134g/km (22% reduction from baseline)

(3) Continuously Variable Transmission configuration

MPG (EU combined cycle): 41 (5% increase from baseline)
Max torque: 148Nm @ 4000rpm
Max power: 82kW / 110hp @ 6000rpm
0-62 mph (0-100kph): 12.6 sec
Top speed: 118mph
CO2 (combined cycle): 164g/km (5% reduction from baseline)

Proton Gen.2 1.6litre 4-cyl gasoline (manual transmission) baseline for comparison:

MPG (EU combined cycle): 39.2
Max torque: 148Nm @ 4000rpm
Max power: 82kW / 110hp @ 6000rpm
0-62 mph (0-100kph): 12.6 sec
Top speed: 118mph
CO2 (combined cycle): 172g/km
Max torque: 233Nm (limited to180Nm continuous) @ 1500rpm

Technical details of EVE Hybrid technology demonstrator

Engine

Various changes have been made to the Proton gasoline 1597cc CamPro engine. The main modification is the redesign of the front end accessory drive (FEAD). This was done to accommodate a Valeo ‘StARS starter/alternator, which drives the micro hybrid start-stop system.

The redesigned FEAD also accommodates a Sanden hybrid Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) compressor that operates by conventional belt drive and has an additional electrically driven capability which enables continued air conditioning operation when the engine is stopped.

During the FEAD redesign the opportunity was also taken to replace the belt driven Power Assisted Steering (PAS) and water pumps with electric units to enable the investigation into the economy benefits of such units. To accommodate the additional hybrid functionalities the Engine Management System (EMS) was updated to a Siemens VDO torque-based unit and re-calibrated by Lotus Engineering.

Motor/Generator

Due to tight packaging constraints and to minimise any loss in overall vehicle performance, bespoke electric motor and power electronics were developed in conjunction with specialist suppliers ElektroMagnetix and Turbopower Systems. The motor/generator and power electronics are water-cooled and include an auxiliary power unit to support the vehicles 12volt systems.

An additional clutch supplied by AP Racing is packaged inside the motor and connects the IC engine to the traction motor. This enables the engine to be switched off for electric drive only use.

Gearbox

A Punch Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has replaced the conventional transmission and a modified bell housing accommodates the electric traction motor.

Battery Pack

The EVE Hybrid uses a Cobasys Series 1000, NiMH, 30kW 144V module that incorporates an integrated cooling system. This traction battery pack is securely mounted on the boot floor, displacing approx 47 litres of luggage space.

Control System

A sophisticated bespoke Lotus Engineering control system was developed to implement the energy management function by monitoring and controlling all sub-control systems including the engine management, motor/generator, transmission, HVAC, additional clutch, starter/alternator and battery pack.

Brake System

To maintain the integrity of the braking circuit when the petrol engine is off, a Mes-Dea electric vacuum pump maintains the vacuum assist for the brakes.

Steering System

An off-the-shelf TRW electro-hydraulic power assisted steering pump has been fitted, which allowed the retention of the existing steering column and hydraulic steering gear. This pump also provides hydraulic pressure for the additional clutch that engages the hybrid motor.

Interior

The instrument panel incorporates an additional LCD display developed by Lotus Engineering to show battery charge, power split between engine and motor, fuel economy and charge/discharge rate, and incorporates associated warning indicators where appropriate. Also fitted to the dash are new switches to select the cars operating mode – micro hybrid, full hybrid or electric vehicle.

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • V_NoZ (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 11:49 am

    should take a long time to reach our showrooms.. lots of R&D need to be done for the malaysia market.. the heat just kills everything!! even can roast the comp system!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • maibatsu_thunder (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 2:14 pm

    Aha … no wonder they bought a Civic Hybrid to study a couple of years back.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • demio121 (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 2:21 pm

    impressive. @ least the CVT should make its way to stock G2 auto.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • shagalot (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 4:06 pm

    Ah… good news, now, when can I ordered one?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • joeyzizul78 (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 4:43 pm

    Very-very good news!!! chaiyok! chaiyok! proton! hope malaysians can drive this car next year!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • waimak (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 4:57 pm

    Forget the hybrid first, let's have the CVT!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • xilusma (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 4:57 pm

    I think it is a good step that Proton taking, if they really considered the technology as their strategy for the coming future. Especially the US market, if they can penetrate it :) . If not at least we Malaysian could breath more easier without the air pollution.

    Anyway, I think rather than using the 50/50-hybrid/engine, it might be a very good to have 80/20-hybrid/engine configuration as this would give more (long term) value added and environmental friendly.

    http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/products.php?se…

    I think P1 could learn from them or asked our local universities to do a JV on the technology. If they really on it, I think it would be a good news for the rest of us.

    p/s electric powered vehicle is the next thing in the coming year. either we grasp it or just watch it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • acbc (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 5:26 pm

    If it ever make it to our shores, it has to be the best thing ever produced by Proton.

    Now, I wonder if it has performance problem since Campro only has power after 4000RPMs.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kody (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 5:38 pm

    wahlaueh…

    It is a +ve way for P1 to go…. but in term of cost or selling price for this hybrid, i believe it will place some where near to VIOS or City price. You can look at the new WAJA, add in few features & raise up the price again…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jazz1011 (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 6:21 pm

    Incorporating a CVT into the Gen2 would definitely be a big milestone for Proton.

    If it materialize succesfully, lets's hope the gearbox will make it's way into Proton's other stable of models.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • infinity (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 6:22 pm

    kody, i wouldn't mind paying the price of vios or city for this gen2…

    CVT + the hybrid…wow…it's worth it…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • bobdbilder (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 6:29 pm

    As a technology demonstrator, it looks promising. However, variable intake was not mentioned in this write up. Which means its coming from another Tier 1 supplier and not Lotus.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • drM (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 6:47 pm

    this is what Proton should be doing right now…

    CONGRATS Proton. now, bring on the turbocharged Gen. 2.

    Let's heat up the GreenPeace. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaah

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jtshin (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 6:55 pm

    so, its a great thing Proton come up with something like this. But when talking about quality.. can Proton do this without having all the Gen-2s sending back to garage to claim warranty? As I heard from my friend who owned a gen-2 that even the basic wiring in the car can be faulty… hazard light can't turn off, and having problems on de alarm as well… so… hybrid eh… by the way, nice rim if compare to stock…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 7:18 pm

    acbc said,

    March 7, 2007 @ 9:26 am

    If it ever make it to our shores, it has to be the best thing ever produced by Proton.

    Now, I wonder if it has performance problem since Campro only has power after 4000RPMs.

    —-

    Actually it WILL solve the low end torque problem of the Campro. Max torque was not quoted in the specs, but typically of electric motors, you get max torque at 0 rpm. Depending on gearning, you could get as much as 100Nm of torque from that electric motor of that size. So technically, at lower RPM, it should perform more like a N/A 2.0L engine if not better .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • lone_rider (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 7:25 pm

    Not to forget the maintenance howdy…Not only the cost, but do they well prepared to countermeasure the incoming problem with that hybrid system while still strugling to solve a lot of "regular" problem. Anyway, I do impress with the direction proton heading. Hybrid?? Thats Awesome folk!!. Seems like they start gaining something from Lotus. Well done.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • honda_driver (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 7:25 pm

    from what the press release says, i think the most exciting thing about "eve" is not so much that proton may have a hybrid car soon, but any car manufacturer can have it as well without spending too extensively on R&D.

    It seems that this product is in a way a "bolt-on" hybrid kit(like a bolt-on turbo), using components that are already largely available in the market. If the product kicks off well, it could lead to lotus engineering getting some decent business from car manufacturers who dont already have a hybrid programme but want one.. they can instead, get lotus's help to incorporate the technology into their existing car models and engines like how it is applied with the GEN2 shown.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • msmar_453 (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 7:50 pm

    i think CVT will be attached to the new coming soon WAJA instead of GEN2.

    source : NST CBT

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 8918 (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 8:00 pm

    Are they for real?Unless it's purely based on Latus Engineering.

    Otherwise proton will have an embarrass car(still remember wira 2.0diesel?People who own the diesel car=repair more than driving).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Xoomie (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 8:00 pm

    "(3) Continuously Variable Transmission configuration

    MPG (EU combined cycle): 41 (5% increase from baseline)

    Max torque: 148Nm @ 4000rpm

    Max power: 82kW / 110hp @ 6000rpm

    0-62 mph (0-100kph): 12.6 sec

    Top speed: 118mph

    CO2 (combined cycle): 164g/km (5% reduction from baseline)"

    Paul, CVT doesn improves performance is it?

    Its the same as baseline Gen2

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • gogo2 (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 8:19 pm

    Proton Gen2 140hp hibrid engine with rear wheel drive. Who wants to buy? Made of Galvanish5 metal.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Paul Tan on Mar 07, 2007 at 8:28 pm

    4G63T DSM: "Torque rises from the stock 148Nm at 4,000rpm to 233Nm at 1,500rpm."

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • e-nabilll (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 8:59 pm

    y top speed stil the same at 190km/h??? my std gen2 easily go 190km/h…..sting amiss here,most hybrid come with smaller wheels to help even more saving fuel , bt this one comes with wat look like 17rims with lower profile !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • volvolover (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 9:04 pm

    I don't mind buying a Gen 2 to replace my proton satria 1996 model if it is that good as advertised.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Joe Ooi (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 9:24 pm

    volvolover, my friend better don't buy Gen-2 or any other model. Look at other P1's model advert. All claim and come with brilliant catch phrase!!!!!!!!!! For P1 case, don't judge to book buy it cover, and don't there is water in the drum if it is empty!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • volvolover (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 9:36 pm

    hey Joe Ooi my friend long time no see, u mean the hybrid is not good as advertised. Need to cut my petrol expenses. hehehe. But again buying a car may costs way more than petrol cost. My satria is 11 years old. I plan to change at only 15 years old or more. So I am still being cautious of what new models is coming out.My I hate the old satria interior. Jeremy Clarkson said it's either cheap and nasty or expensive and cheerful. There is nothing as cheap and cheerful. Let me tell you this, it is expensive and nasty. I bought a 1996 satria at RM60K. Those days RM60K is like RM100K or more in today's money. Today's proton model is "cheap". It's cheap compared to foreign cars because of AP kings and excise duties. There is about 10-20% tax on local cars. Much lower than foreign cars. So when they price it "cheap" it's not cheap but cheap compared to foreign cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • e-nabilll (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 11:16 pm

    here we go again…aaaaaanyway , any idea if the CVT is 100% build by lotus or borrowed from somewere?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • aesthari (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 11:16 pm

    Finally something noteworthy from Proton, would be great if they can make it reliable and suitable for mass production, at a reasonable price of course.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nmh (Member) on Mar 07, 2007 at 11:38 pm

    FUNNY monitor..LOL

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • szw (Member) on Mar 08, 2007 at 12:49 am

    good move, if the cvt ever make into proton cars, this will reduce fuel economy .

    are they supplying the manual override ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • transformer (Member) on Mar 08, 2007 at 12:59 am

    nice move P1! but make sure its realiable!

    at least last for 3-5years before its KONG!

    another important things is, don't charge owner so high when they need to change or repair the unit! ( either the CVT or the EVE )

    (heard from forumner that a new CVT for City cost Rm20K+)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • narrowband (Member) on Mar 08, 2007 at 1:07 am

    Indeed a positive step forward for Proton. Hopefully build/materials quality improves too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mystvearn (Member) on Mar 08, 2007 at 4:49 am

    Nice move, but I don't think it will ever come here…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kevyeoh (Member) on Mar 08, 2007 at 5:44 am

    wooo hooo… great news…i hope this product will be out soon…and at a very competitive price…if come out RM100k…then forget it la…if same price as city/vios, i will still go for city/vios because of their reputation of giving a better/reliable car…

    if around RM70k region, then it's very tempting… then i can trade in my wira junk already for this new hybrid proton…

    whoooooo !!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • proton GL (Member) on Mar 08, 2007 at 6:22 am

    still where is CPS

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ilmondo (Member) on Mar 08, 2007 at 8:27 am

    great 2 c this! hope it enters d market soon 2 boast up sales.. really gives us hope.. hope its reasonably priced, improved quality, safety, handling, reliability… its things r planned properly, it wil b very very +ve.

    those rims are superb on dis car.. goodluck proton

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • normal_user (Member) on Mar 09, 2007 at 4:30 pm

    First time I seeso many people praising proton on Paul's blog. haha.

    But the car is very nice if Proton can make it into production and price it a bit lower than the City/Vios at RM65K-70K. Sure meletup!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • buggygil (Member) on Mar 20, 2007 at 1:10 am

    I don't know about the car. The engine cover looks a lot nicer, not to say the hybrid engine. But did they improve the door opener? They better, before displaying it in any auto show.

    By the way, the LCD screen looks weird and ugly.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • encik98 (Member) on May 02, 2007 at 2:47 am

    A little late, but I just found this – looks like Lotus had started talking about CVT back in 1991 – is the CVT in the EVE car a result of 16 years of effort?

    findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_n7_v27/ai_11008659

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  • kei9 (Member) on May 02, 2007 at 5:25 am

    nah! dont think so…………………thats a long time ago man!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kei9 (Member) on May 02, 2007 at 5:28 am

    nah! dude thats a long time ago! but it might be possible….

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  • encik98 (Member) on May 02, 2007 at 6:18 am

    Just found out it is a CVT from a company called Punch (Used to be ZF Ecotronic, I think), so if Proton wanted to, they could probably buy the rights to use the technology in existing Gen2's, if it already works in the EVE Gen2 – fair comment?

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  • kenneth1985 (Member) on Mar 04, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    Does anyone knows the reason why Malaysia is lagging behind in introducing this technology? Thanks.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Dr. Sharifah Najihah on Dec 23, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    Dear Boss ,

    Eversince , we found that Gen 2 is very practical , elegant and genius .

    However , the security system always fail. Anyway , the spare part usually

    damage , battery exhaust , windows jam . Therefore , I hope that you will find the solution so soon .

    That's all , thank you.

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