Capstone
CMT-380
The
Capstone CMT-380 is essentially a prototype show car designed to highlight the
technology and products available from Capstone Turbine Corporation. The
concept for the high performance hybrid electric microturbine vehicle was
developed by Electronic Arts (EA) Chief Creative Director Richard Hilleman,
creator of popular video game titles like 'Need For Speed' and 'Medal of
Honor'.
The
CMT-380 features an unusual hybrid drivetrain which uses one of Capstone's new
C30 (30-kilowatt) microturbine engines to extend the range of the primarily
electric powered vehicle. The turbine can be run on either diesel or biodiesel.
The
CMT-380 features lithium-polymer battery cells that can be charged at home or
at a public recharging station. While driving, the CMT-380 can operate on 100
percent battery power in zero emissions mode for a range of up to 80 miles.
When the batteries reach a predetermined state of discharge, the Capstone C30
microturbine quietly fires up and recharges the batteries on the fly to extend
the driving range up to 500 miles. The diesel fueled C30 microturbine requires
less maintenance than traditional combustion engines and produces ultra-low
exhaust emissions.
The
chassis and bodywork of the Capstone CMT-380 are borrowed from the Factory Five
GTM kit sports car, and modified to accept the hybrid drivetrain.
