Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is working on a plug-in hybrid version of its three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder roadster.
As part of the Canadian government’s efforts to boost that country’s automotive research and development, the Centre de technologies avancées BRP at the Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) was granted U$11.3 million to develop a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Can-Am Spyder
The funding will consist of $6.2 million from the federal government’s Automotive Partnership Canada program and $5.1 from BRP.
According to the CTA, the Spyder’s unique Y-architecture creates its own unique challenges in meeting the project’s goals of developing completely new electric hybrid technology that uses 50 percent less fuel and cuts CO2 emissions by 50 percent, while maintaining the vehicles speed, power and performance.
The plug-in hybrid Can-Am will feature a 600 cc engine linked to a 20 kW electric motor that’s powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The total range for the plug-in Can-Am is expected to be 375 miles (600km), and a range of 20 miles (30km) in electric mode.
Over the next four years the CTA will produce three generations of prototypes and their components. The final product must pass the test in terms of performance, reliability, durability, and economic mass production. Any technological innovations will be potentially transferable to other types of vehicles and products.
