Kötz – After presenting it as a concept study at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 in Hanover, AL-KO Vehicle Technology is now heralding the implementation phase for the Hybrid Power Chassis platform. In the second half of 2020, the first HPC® configurations for motorhomes with electrified rear axles and Fiat Ducato power heads are to be approved for selected customers for specific use.

The technology behind the Hybrid Power Chassis
The hybrid concept, developed jointly with Huber Automotive AG, is based on the variable AL-KO lightweight chassis, which as a system carrier enables modular use of the battery packs and electric drive components and at the same time offers the best possible battery conservation. The electrified rear axle with a peak power of 90 kW can be switched on as required. The battery capacity is designed for an all-electric range between 50 and 100 km, depending on customer requirements.

A major advantage of the hybrid concept is it can match the long range of a diesel-powered motorhome or even exceed it (booster function). For long-distance journeys, the vehicle's internal combustion engine can be used without restriction. With simultaneous use of the E-Drive and internal combustion engine, better acceleration values can be achieved, e.g. during overtaking, while E-support enables fuel savings and CO2 reduction of up to 30 percent. The HPC® also has a plug-in charging function. A powerful, scalable on-board charger with charging capacities from approx. 7 kW enables flexible or fast charging (fast charging station). This allows the journey to start immediately, emission-free, with fully charged batteries.
These features mean that motorhomes with an HPC® platform meet the requirements for country-specific subsidies and approval for the E license plate in Germany. A further development is already being planned for even more convenient and ecological driving. The system in fully automatic mode is to detect designated environmental zones via GPS and automatically switch to emission-free mode.

Additional practical benefits: Through recuperation and energy storage, the system can also supply energy to such electrical systems and devices as interior lighting, refrigerators, heating and air conditioning systems or entertainment options, and serve as a self-sufficiency buffer for, for example, a stop on the road at night. The engageable rear axle also offers a valuable all-wheel and traction function if required. The traction advantage is particularly attractive for motorhome owners on wet grassland and slippery or loose surfaces.

Applications for the Hybrid Power Chassis
In the commercial sector, trade, cities and municipalities in particular benefit from the high flexibility and adaptability of the HPC® platform from AL-KO vehicle Technology. In the leisure sector, the innovative Hybrid Power Chassis technology makes it possible to implement previously unavailable functions in motorhomes. The electric auxiliary drive’s modular design in conjunction with variable, scalable energy storage systems also offers potential for further individual customer requirements or future challenges with regard to emissions. In general, buyers will enjoy a high level of investment protection and value retention. Even if city centres and environmental zones bring in stricter legal requirements in the future, vehicles with HPC® will still be able to be used there on a purely electrical basis.