Government of Canada navigation bar

Symbol of the Government of Canada

Primary site navigation bar

Breadcrumb

Technical Sheet - A123Systems Hymotion L5 Plug-In Conversion Module

A123Systems Hymotion L5 Plug-In Conversion Module

Environmental Benefits of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

  • Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
  • Operating range in electric modes is extended
  • Vehicle can be charged from electricity generated using clean, renewable resources

ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles (eTV), in partnership with Environment Canada, installed the A123Systems Hymotion L5 Plug-In Conversion Module (PCM) into a 2008 Toyota Prius, to evaluate the viability of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in Canada. The PCM is a high capacity lithium-ion battery that extends the vehicle's ability to operate solely on electric power.

Researched and developed in Concord, Ontario, the L5 PCM can be installed as an aftermarket conversion in series-parallel hybrid vehicles. The L5 PCM is one example of PHEV technologies that may soon be available from major automotive manufacturers. The lithium-ion battery supplies additional power in parallel with the factory installed nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack. The L5 PCM extends the vehicle's operating range in all electric modes.

The L5 PCM is charged using a standard 110V household outlet, but cannot be charged by the vehicle's regenerative braking system. When charged, the PHEV will use electricity from the L5 PCM for propulsion, reducing or eliminating the demands on the vehicle's internal combustion engine. Preliminary tests indicate that a series-parallel hybrid vehicle equipped with a L5 PCM can obtain a fuel consumption of less than 2.0 L/100 km1 and emissions of less than 50 g/km of CO2.

eTV is testing the L5 PCM to determine if PHEV technology can help improve vehicle fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

In Production / Available in Canada
Battery Specifications
Weight 85 kg / 187 lb
Length 0.84 m / 33.0 in
Width 0.42 m / 16.3 in
Height 0.26 m / 10.3 in
Type
(7 modules) 		A123Systems Lithium Ion Nanophosphate™ 616 cells
Voltage 190 V (2.5 - 3.6 V per cell)
Capacity
(charged) 		~5 kWh
Available Capacity ~4 kWh
Energy Density 59 Wh/kg
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel /
Energy Type 		Gasoline-Electric
Fuel Efficiency1 1.57 L/100 km / 179.0 Cdn mpg
Driving Range in Blended Mode (Hymotion PCM) 50 - 65km / 30 - 40mi
CO2 Emissions (Electric only) 0 g/km
(Reg. Prius) ~ 100 g/km
Performance
Top Speed
All Electric 		55 km/h (34 mph)
Operational Temperature Range -20°C to 45°C (-4°F to 113°F)
Charging
Charging Time 5.5 hours (110 V/15 A)
Charge Temperature Range -20°C to 45°C (-4°F to 113°F)
eTV Fleet Information
Date Acquired February 2009
Current Status Test Vehicle

1 Results based on a full battery state of charge; averaged results of the UDDS FTP-72 city driving cycle at 22°C (72°F)

Date modified:
2011-09-12