Wood-pellet Stirling engine charges Precer Bioracer electric vehicle
Precer, a Swedish company developing biomass vehicle powerplants, has released a biofuel series hybrid vehicle called the Bioracer. The powertrain consists of a wood pellet burner which acts as the heat source for a stirling engine generator. The stirling engine charges the traction batteries, which in turn drive an electric motor to power the Bioracer. Precer is also experimenting with steam turbines, and claims to have a new engine concept under development that could replace the stirling engine currently in use.
The Bioracer is a 900 pound off-road vehicle with dual A-arm suspension in the front and swingarm suspension in the rear, much like an ATV or sand rail. The vehicle is powered by a 16 hp electric motor and is available with 2 or 4 wheel drive. Energy is stored in a 24 to 96 volt, 100 to 400 amp-hour battery pack depending on the customer's specifications, providing up to 3 hours of driving on battery power alone. The stirling engine consumes 3 to 6 pounds of wood pellets to provide enough charge for 10 miles of driving, also depending on the customer configuration.
Precer's goal is to significantly improve the economy and environmental aspects of vehicles today, by using environmental biofuel that is compatible with all future vehicle requirements. The biomass drivetrain Precer has developed can also be adapted for use in any modern vehicle, with the advantages that once switched over to wood pellets as fuel, consumers are able to domestic raw materials that do not require refining, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
Precer's goal is to significantly improve the economy and environmental aspects of vehicles today, by using environmental biofuel that is compatible with all future vehicle requirements. The biomass drivetrain Precer has developed can also be adapted for use in any modern vehicle, with the advantages that once switched over to wood pellets as fuel, consumers are able to domestic raw materials that do not require refining, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
AAA Greenlight Initiative
Triple A auto insurance is promoting green transportation through it's new Greenlight Initiative program which provides information on alternative fuels and sustainable transportation. You can see a list of upcoming events in your area related to electric vehicles and hybrids by visiting the website www.aaa.com/greenlight and entering your zip code. Currently the Northern California AAA Greenlight events page is promoting the upcoming San Francisco International Auto show and Triple A is offering a 2 for 1 discount to its members.We found out about the AAA Greenlight Initiative a week ago when we saw a Toyota Prius (not quite an EV)...Headlines:
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