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Hybrid Sprinter in the pipeline from Connaught

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2008

The Llanelli-based company has already developed a system for the rear-wheel drive Transit and will shortly have one suitable for its front-wheel drive counterpart. “After Sprinter the next vehicle on our list is Vauxhall's Movano,” says operations director, Geoff Matthews.

Connaught's hybrid pack uses compact super capacitors rather than batteries, plus regenerative braking.

“As a consequence it weighs less than 50kg and it doesn't steal cargo space,” he says. “Nor do operators have to face the environmental problems associated with the disposal of batteries.”

Benefits include cuts in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of up to 25 per cent and the system is set to sell at a, surprisingly modest, £2,500. It has been on trial in Transits with Tesco's home delivery fleet.

Connaught will be exhibiting at the British Commercial Vehicle Show at the National Exhibition Centre in April. It has also developed a hybrid sports coupe under the Type-D banner.

Longer-term it aims to develop hybrid packs for 7.5- and 44-tonners.

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