It seems that the era of hybrid vehicles had been immediately before, after Japan appeared with the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. Canadian government also did not want to miss. Recently, they provide subsidies for 11.3 million Canadian dollars to the Centre de technologies avancées BRP from Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) to develop a plug-in hybrid engine for Can-Am Spyder roadster, three-wheel motor produced by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).
Can-Am plug-in hybrid would use the 600 cc engine that is connected with an electric motor of 20 kW. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion battery pack. The total mileage for plug-in version is expected to be 600 km, where 32 km of them is taken without turning the gasoline engine.
Mihai Rasidescu, president and general manager of CTA, said the goal of developing a plug-in hybrid Can-Am was, "Our goal is to develop hybrid electric technology is really new to three-wheeled vehicles are more efficient 50% in fuel consumption and reduce 50% for CO2 emissions while maintaining the speed, power and performance. "
Project research team is led by Professor Alain Desrochers of the department of mechanical engineering CTA. Their development team consists of 30 individuals from the CTA and BRP. Desrochers describes the challenges which it must be overcome to develop a plug-in hybrid engine for the Can-Am, "Creating a three-wheeled vehicles into hybrid vehicles cause a great design challenge which it requires a high level of innovation. The challenges include a lack of space to accommodate a hybrid motor, the problem of cooling, aerodynamics, vehicle weight and noise. Everything must be learned and modified. "
