We have a long way to go before the world adopts electric vehicles as the primary mode of transportation – if it does, that is, as we may see different technologies taking over down the road, but for now, both the industry and governments around the globe are making moves to promote their use with the masses.
And while mainstream consumers remain hesitant to accept electric vehicles, many people believe that they could at least provide a viable solution in certain segments.
A team from Romania consisting of automotive journalist Dan Scarlat, designer Marian Cilibeanu and engineer Cristian Ionescu, came up with an idea to create a modular hybrid concept vehicle called the SCI hyMod.
In theory, the vehicle would allow the driver to choose between two different propulsion systems, depending on his or her needs.
The first option is a 48kW (64hp) electric motor mounted up front with the battery pack located beneath the floor, while the second choice is a hybrid unit comprising an internal combustion engine with 62kW (83hp) that would work in conjunction with the electric motor.
According to the design, the tall family hatchback would measure just 4,100mm (161-in.) in length but 1,680mm (66.1-in.) in height and 1,840mm (72.4-in.) in width while riding on a 2,740mm (107.9-in.) wheelbase.
The designers say that thanks to the flat floor and the wide body, the SCI hyMod would be able to seat six passengers in three rows of seats with a small cargo area of 250 liters located up front under the bonnet (we assume only with the electric powertrain).
While it may be a fantasy flight for now, we’ll have to give the designers credit for going in great depth with the details on the car, which you can read for yourself in the release that follows below.
[From the Designers Release]Present day technology for the car of tomorrow
The “hyMod” name comes from “hybrid” and “modular”, the two words that best identify the idea of this concept. SCI comes from the name of its creators, (Scarlat, Cilibeanu and Ionescu), but it can also be associated with the idea of “science”. However, there is no “science fiction” involved, as hyMod does not resort to futuristic characteristics. On the contrary, it proposes present day solutions: already existing chargeable cells, a very compact and efficient internal combustion engine, with a direct fuel injection system and turbo boost (Fiat’s TwinAir can be an example), as well as a CVT-type transmission with a sub planetary gear, fit for small dimensions (as in the new Nissan Micra).
Mono-space shape: the most efficient format
SCI hyMod is an ecological and efficient family vehicle. Overall, its exterior size (4,100 mm length and 1,680 mm height) places it in the small class for mono-space cars. However, the space requirements dictated by the technological solutions, as well by the needs of a modern family, resulted in selecting a wheel base of 2,740 mm and a 1,840 mm width. Thus, hyMod can perfectly accommodate up to six passengers, or five plus the associated luggage.
Fresh, young, avant-garde
The body is modern and is distinguished by an unmistakable identity. Its general solid line includes attractive style elements, generally free of aggression, using organic shapes combined with sharper ones. At the front, one can notice the vehicle’s defining design element, the “glasses shape” which. The lights are themselves independent volumes, fresh and young, following the general line of the car – a blend between concave and convex. The backlights follow a similar stylistic formula, which break the strict verticality of the lines found in the rear module.
A solution dictated by the logistics of the modules’ storage and handling systems is that of a neutral and unique color, perfectly adapted to a wide range of colors that can be chosen for the car’s body. The color connections between these elements and the rest of the ensemble are represented by the lower part of the side skirts, the “front glasses” and the upper body, made up of the two solid surfaces, placed adjacent to the glass top.Comfortable and useful
By placing the wheels towards the extremities of the body, the usable area of the car is very spacious. The value of the wheel base, unusually large for its class, offers enough interior space to ensure the comfort of up to six passengers.
Because of the interior design, structured on two separate rows with three places each, the width is also large enough. These aspects offer a solid and safe aspect to the small hyMod, perfectly adapted to the idea of a family car, used daily in crowded cities and inter-city travel. The intelligent and judicious space organization, with a length slightly larger than 4 meters, classifies the car into the small class vehicle category, with all associated benefits, but with an ample storage capacity.
Six passengers, or five plus luggageFor technical reasons, related to the placement of the propulsion, the main luggage compartment, with an estimated volume of 250 l, is situated in the front of the car, above the resident electric engine.
When this space is not sufficient, the folding backseat (1/3-2/3) creates extra space for luggage and for a maximum number of five passengers. An element, meant to prevent unwanted entrance of objects inside the passenger compartment, is integrated in the ensemble.
A surprising configuration
In order to facilitate the function in both modes, electric and hybrid, the configuration of SCI hyMod is quite complex. The synchronous permanent magnet electric motor is located at the front of the vehicle and it provides a power of 42 kW. This engine powers the front wheels and assures the traction in the electric mode.
In the middle section, beneath the floor, is mounted the fixed battery with a capacity of 5 kWh, which aids the main power source with an energy supplement whenever is needed.
In the rear part you can find a modular structure which allows the transformation of the technical characteristics, as we can see hereafter. In the area of the rear axle are mounted the drive shafts and the intermittent mechanical couplings, which are used in conventional engine mode.
Two modules are available, in relation with the user needs: one that includes batteries, called “battery-pack” and the second one that includes a termic engine and transmission, called “engine-pack”.
Fast, efficient, automated
The key feature of SCI hyMod is the ability to transform from a fully-electric car to a hybrid car in a special transforming center (“hyMod STATION”). Detach of the module is made automatically by means of an extractor device, endowed with sensors; meanwhile the module has laser emitters. In that way, the alignment of the extraction bars with the corresponding supports on the module is made automatically, the device being capable to move in sides and up/down.
The modules are fastened to the car by means of two bars that are translating inside the special supports mounted on the chassis. To restrict also the longitudinal movement there are two hooks actuated by the extracting device.
One crucial chapter is the coupling of the mechanical transmission of the “engine-pack” especially because the whole engine-transmission pack is fastened to the module frame by means of elastic bumpers. To make possible the coupling of the transmission, booth semi couplings (from the module and from the car) are fixed rigid to the module frame and respective to the car chassis.
This thing implies the usage of four planetary drive shafts, two between the differential and the intermittent couplings and two from intermittent coupling to the wheels. Because of the fact that engine and transmission movements on the elastic buffers are small, the planetary drive shafts between the differential and intermittent couplings can be short.
The full-electric operating mode
In this mode, SCI hyMod doesn’t differ at all from a regular electric vehicle. The dedicated “backpack” incorporates a set of storage batteries with a 17kWh capacity, which feed the frontal electric engine.
The engine’s specifications (maximum power of 65 HP and a constant torque of 200 Nm) engage convincing acceleration in the urban traffic, where the top speed doesn’t exceed 50-60 km/h, while the top speed goes up to 130 km/h when the car is used to commute on highways.
The battery pack allows autonomy of 140 km, which can be supplemented by the individual 5 kWh battery of the car, thus raising the range over 180 km.
The hybrid operating mode
The “engine pack” contains a combustion engine which produces 82 HP and is connected to a continuously variation gear box (CVT). This solution has been chosen because it offers a similar driving experience to the one of an electric car and due to the easy control of the engine’s revving and using of power, especially when you need to transfer a part of the power to the electric generator.
In this case maximum combined power is 150 HP, which obviously translates into better performances, necessary while driving outside the urban traffic (0-100 km/h in under 10 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h). The mix fuel consumption is less than 6 l/100 km and the range easily surpasses 600 km.
The engine module also contains all the other related components, like the petrol tank, the cooling system and the radiator, except the battery, whose function is taken by the car’s battery.
A promising driving experience
Regardless of the driving module chosen, the driver’s interaction with the car is almost identical. Thus, the gear box commands are the same, comprising of the standard P, R, N and D positions. There are two pedals, one for acceleration and one for the brakes. In the electric mode, hyMod is completely silent and ecological and it offers a fluent response and sufficient performance for urban use.
When SCI hyMod engages the “Engine Pack”, the driver can choose the running mode of the car, depending on the driving context. This is due the choice of the two engines working together or alternatively, engaging a maximum combined power of 150 HP.There are three operating modes. The driver simply has to select with the use of a switch on the central console of the interior panel, the driving mode of the car: “Auto”, “4×4” or “City Smart” (in this case the battery pack can be recharged with the help of the combustion engine).
In any of the three situations, the driver will perceive the “hybrid” running mode in a similar way to the “electric” one. This is due to the typical gentle reactions of the continuously variable transmission, but also because the combustion engine is placed behind the cabin, a solution which considerably reduces the noise perceived by the passengers, compared to the case of the engines mounted frontally.
Financial efficiency
In some cases, using light materials can mean higher production costs, but the price for the base model of the hyMod should not exceed 25.500 euro (plus tax). If we were to add the price of the two separate modules, the total price of the car would go up considerably.
But for using the hyMod, the clients don’t have to purchase these modules. The easiest way to acquire the modules is renting them or choosing a leasing contract, a system which is offered by other manufacturers.
Using the hyMod modules implies paying a monthly renting fee, with a non-changing value. The only extra cost added to this fee is for installing/replacing the modules in one of the dedicated “hyMod Stations” (which should be available in every major city).
Technical data (estimated figures):
L/w/h: 4100/1840/1680 mmWheelbase: 2740 mmCurb weight of the car with module: 1400 kgCurb weight of the module: 250 kgFuel tank capacity (Engine-Pack): 35 litersInternal battery power output: 5 kWhBattery-Pack power output: 17 kWhElectric motor power and torque: 48 kW (65 HP); 200 NmCombustion engine power and torque: 62 kW (85 HP)/5500 rpm; 145 Nm/1900 rpm
Performance (electric mode):
0-100 km/h: 18 secondsTop speed: 130 km/hRange: 180 km (140+40)
Performance (hybrid mode):
0-100 km/h: under 10 secondsRange: 620 km (580+40 km)Top speed: 170 km/hMix fuel consumption: 5 l/100 km
Base price of the vehicle (excluding modules): 25.500 euro, without tax
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