Mahle Maps Range Extender Enhancement

Germany's Mahle GmbH has added mapping data to its prototype range-extender plug-in hybrid vehicle to improve the car's efficiency by as much as 5%.

The system tracks the hills, turns, speed limit and other road variables over a planned trip route. Mahle's software then controls the use of the hybrid car's battery pack and 4-stroke gasoline engine to optimize fuel efficiency. The company also is developing functions to incorporate real-time traffic and to predict a driver's route based on historical driving data.

Mahle's range extender vehicle teams a 350-volt, 14-kWh lithium-ion battery and integrated generator with a 2-speed transmission and a Mahle-developed 0.9-liter 2-cylinder engine. The company touts the package's compact, lightweight design.

In a typical series hybrid configuration, the engine is activated after the battery has been fully depleted. With Mahle's GPS-enhanced system, the engine can be coordinated to run as needed based on optimal rpm and state-of-charge levels. This increases the vehicle's combined driving range by 5% to 525 miles, according to Mahle's real world testing in Europe.

Mahle unveiled its Audi A1-based range extender electric vehicle (REEV) in 2012. The company added the map data functionality this year. The company currently is demonstrating the vehicle in Europe and the U.S. to showcase its software programming and integration capabilities.