Availability

  • Can I buy this car? When?
    A production model isn’t available yet, but we anticipate one within 2-3 years pending discussions with automakers and tier one suppliers.
  • Are you considering producing these cars or similar vehicles?
    Our aim is to license our patented XH™ technology to automakers for production. We’re also exploring other options.
  • Can you retrofit existing vehicles with XH technology?
    While virtually any vehicle could be retrofitted, we’re not currently offering this service. However, fleet retrofitting is under consideration based on interest.
  • Who is this car intended for?
    This technology is suitable for various consumer and commercial vehicles, except for long-distance trucks.
  • Can I sign up for updates about ordering?
    Yes, we have a sign-up list for those interested in receiving updates about ordering when production plans are announced.

Technology

  • What is the Extreme Hybrid™?
    It’s a plug-in hybrid vehicle employing a unique energy storage system combining batteries and ultracapacitors managed by proprietary control electronics.
  • What is the new AFS Trinity patent?
    The patent recognizes our technology for integrating ultracapacitors and batteries in plug-in hybrid vehicles.
  • Why didn’t this technology emerge earlier?
    Advances in ultracapacitor technology and the development of control electronics have facilitated its emergence.
  • Isn’t this car a Saturn Vue?
    It’s a converted 2007 Saturn Vue demonstrating our technology’s feasibility using existing lithium-ion batteries.
  • Do I need to change anything in my garage to use the Plug-in feature?
    No, standard 110 Volt power plugs are sufficient, but 220 Volt plugs can charge the batteries three times faster.
  • Can you switch to the gas engine “on-the-fly”?
    Yes, the system can automatically switch to the gas engine when needed, or manually at the driver’s discretion.

Battery Testing

  • AFS Trinity claims a 150,000-mile useful life for its battery/ultracap system. What is this based on?
    Extensive testing conducted by a leading independent battery testing laboratory under demanding conditions.
  • How do the 25,000-mile duty cycle findings above contrast with Toyota Prius owners’ experiences?
    Prius hybrids use different batteries and operate differently, resulting in varied lifespan expectations.

Social / Political / Industry

  • How does this type of car affect the need for imported oil?
    A widespread adoption could reduce dependence on foreign oil by up to 75%.
  • Even though Extreme Hybrids are zero-emission vehicles in EV mode, do coal power plants negate their environmental benefits?
    No, even powered by coal-generated electricity, they emit significantly less pollution than conventional vehicles.

Cost

  • What is the cost of using Extreme Hybrid™ technology?
    Significant savings are achieved compared to battery-only approaches due to fewer, less expensive batteries and their longer lifespan.
  • How much will a car like this cost?
    It’s estimated that the XH™ drive train will add around $8,700 to the retail price of the vehicle.

Company

  • What does AFST have that is proprietary that makes the company special?
    We hold patents for the XH system, particularly the specialized electronics and controls unit.
  • Is AFS Trinity a subsidiary of a larger auto company?
    No, we’re an independent, privately held company.
  • What is the next step for the company?
    We’re exploring licensing our technology to major automakers or OEMs, with potential alternative plans for capital raising and partnerships.