Old stuff: MCC smart Introduces Diesel-electric Hyper

By EV World,
Published: 15-Sep-2001
First look at MCC smart hyper diesel-electric hybrid prototype.

This week at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in Germany, MCC smart unveiled a prototype vehicle that combines a small diesel engine that powers the front wheels and a Zytek-built electric drive system that powers the rear wheels.
Dubbed the smart hyper (a contraction of hybrid and performance), the vehicle utilizes a twin-drive system similar to that in the forthcoming Dodge Durango HEV. But unlike DaimlerChrysler's "Through-the-Road" hybrid in which there is no mechanical or electrical linkage between the gasoline engine and the electric motor, the twin drive systems of the hyper smart system are electronically interlocked.
The concept involves allowing the electric drive system to propel the vehicle in low speed situations with the diesel engine off, in order to save fuel and reduce emissions. The diesel also is automatically shut off and turned back on, as needed.
The electric drive also operates momentarily as the manual transmissions electrically shifts gears, in effect creating the equivalency of an automatic transmission, but without the efficiency losses. The Zytek designed-system can supply up to 20 kilowatts of power for brief periods of time, giving the car a short but, as yet, unrevealed ZEV range.
To improve the safety of the hybrid-propulsion unit, the electric drive automatically disconnects in the event of a crash, thus preventing short circuits. In addition, should the air-cooled batteries and controllers or liquid-cooled motor begin to overheat, these systems also automatically shut down. In this event, the car can operate solely on its diesel engine.
MCC smart asserts that in this hybrid configuration, the tiny, two-passenger vehicle performs more smoothly than either the standard diesel version or the gasoline version with an automatic transmission. The car also incorporates regenerative braking which engineers calculate recaptures some 6% of the energy typically lost. This is accomplished through the electric motor, which acts as a generator during braking.
The new hyper system adds some 85 kilograms to the curb weight of the vehicle. MCC smart has not, as yet, made a decision on series production.