CAF-E: Tim Cameron designs a supercharged hybrid motorcycle concept
Click above for a high-res image gallery of the CAF-E from Tim Cameron Designs
Motorcycle designer Tim Cameron has designed a new motorcycle called the CAF-E that relies on a hybrid drivetrain that he says is similar in principle to the Hybrid Synergy Drive that powers the Toyota Prius. The internal combustion engine is a parallel-twin design that gets extra juice from an electric supercharger. We're not certain that adding an electric supercharger would be a better use for the battery's added oomph, but it's an interesting concept in any case.
That engine is mated up to an electric motor through an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission that sends power to the rear wheel through a shaft drive. A large 180V lithium ion battery pack sits low in the chassis, likely for optimal weight distribution. At least one of Cameron's past designs has already gone into production, so the CAF-E is probably worth keeping an eye out for in the future.
Gallery: Tim Cameron Design CAF-E
[Source: Tim Cameron Design via Faster and Faster]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
travis 12:33PM (3/31/2009)
didn't Toyota Patent the synergy drive system?
Why no electric only mode? Why bother with the extra weight and space taken by the supercharger, wouldn't it be better to pack more batteries/cc's of displacement?
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Chris M 7:56PM (3/31/2009)
Yes, but Toyota has been willing to license that technology to anyone who wants to use it.
An "electric mode" is inherent in that hybrid design, but it is limited in speed, and the small battery limits the range. With a good control algorithm, electric mode kicks in automatically when it is desirable to use it.
Gary 3:30PM (3/31/2009)
Whoopty-doo. A hybrid powertrain on a vehicle that already consumes very little fuel. How much in fuel savings per year? $250 down to $200 maybe?
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Chris M 7:52PM (3/31/2009)
I suspect it is mainly for improved performance (note the electric supercharger), the improvement in fuel economy is just a bonus.
An electric supercharger would have near instant response, unlike a turbocharger that needs to spool up, and wouldn't have to "dump" excess air when throttling down. It wouldn't rob mechanical torque the way a mechanical supercharger does.
The best part is that, while it is much quieter than a Harley, it's performance would put the average flatulent Harley to shame!
travis 7:39PM (3/31/2009)
As far as emissions go, most motorcycles (above 400cc) polute more than small cars do. There's no catalytic converter, no emissions testing, no regulation, no evaporative emissions containment.... they spew out more tons per year than the same number of compact cars.
Plus, just think, combine 50-100mpg of gas, with the efficiency and low cost of electric, and you've got something that could take you 200 miles for less than it would cost its counterpart, and you'd be quite a bit cleaner.
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RJ 10:05AM (4/14/2009)
Don't group all motorcycles into one category and generalize... Check out Yamaha's Stratoliner/Roadliner 1900cc's, and sure enough, a catalytic converter from the factory...
travis 11:04AM (4/14/2009)
So, don't generalize like lots of people do when comparing motorcycle MPG to car MPG without considering emissions?
So, a handful of the millions of motorcycles out there have a cat.... thats what, less than a percent or two?
I still stand by my opinion. on the emissions of motorcycles in the MPG argument. That few percent is not enough to compensate. Those huge cruisers are far and few between when it comes to the rest of the motorcycles on the road.
A VERY VAST MAJORITY of motorcycles don't have a cat... there, happy?
videot9 7:01PM (4/29/2009)
Hey, travis. not sure where you're from. The EPA has set hydrocarbon standards for motorcycles. see...
http://www.epa.gov/EPA-AIR/2004/January/Day-15/a006.htm
combined HC and NOx emissions must be below 1.4 g/km as of 2006 and .8 g/km by 2010 (down from 5 - 14 g/km depending on engine size) this is for class III motorcycles, about 90% of bike sold in the US.
I call this a significant improvement.
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