6/2/2009 5:00:00 AM
Pelmear opens manufacturing facility for 110 mpg engine
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Kirk Dougal/Times Bulletin
A large crowd gathers under a tent to see the revolutionary motor. |
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BY KIRK DOUGAL
Times Bulletin Editor
kdougal@timesbulletin.com
WAUSEON - The sun hid behind the clouds and rain drops pounded the tent tops but nothing could keep away the curious crowd as former Van Wert resident Doug Pelmear and his company, HP2G, opened the first manufacturing facility for his revolutionary new motor.
The facility where the engines will be built is approximately 68,000 square feet and Pelmear said it will eventually house around 55 jobs once it is at full production. They plan on producing 500 motors in 2009. As was reported in the Times Bulletin in April, those engines will initially be used in the aftermarket. Revenge Designs of Decatur, Indiana has signed an agreement to be the exclusive certified installer of the Pelmear motor. They will begin with just a few centers but have plans for more than 1,500 nationwide.
Pelmear released more information about his invention during a press conference before the public address on Monday. As has been reported before, he has placed one of his motors inside a 1986 Ford Mustang, qualifying for the multi-million dollar first prize in the Progressive Automobile X Prize by averaging 110 miles per gallon. Pelmear quickly pointed out, however, that this is not some gas-sipping motor that will be impractical for general use. It performed at that mileage level while still producing 400 horsepower and 500 ft.-lbs of torque. He even ran the air conditioner while performing the tests.
While the E85-only engine was not on display for the general public, Pelmear did reveal that it was quite a bit smaller than the normal engine of today and only weighs about 200 pounds. He also showed the documentation that he had taken it to an Ohio EPA station last Friday for an emissions test. His emissions were half of the legal limit and that mark was achieved without a catalytic converter.
Pelmear is working on versions of the motor that could be used in heavy duty trucks and semi-tractors. His invention was also recently discussed in Department of Agriculture meetings as pertaining to tractors and combines.
As can be expected, Pelmear's invention has drawn the interest of many people. On hand on Monday was State Senator Steve Buehrer, a representative from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown's office and numerous county and city officials from the area, including Van Wert County Commissioner Clair Dudgeon. They were all thrilled with the prospects of an Ohio entrepreneur succeeding in such an important industry to this part of the state.
"I just want to add my voice to what I'm sure the other officials are saying," said Buehrer. "We have a business starting on a day when at times we want to be overwhelmed with the bleak news of the economy and certainly the auto industry. This is an exciting opportunity for I think all of northwest Ohio."
Pelmear is in agreement which is one of the reasons why he has continually turned away major auto companies who have inquired about purchasing his technology. He said this way he knows the motor will make it to the market and be based out of Ohio.
"The best ideas don't mean anything without help," said Pelmear. "Obviously there are a lot of communities here. This about people banding together to make change."
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Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009
Article comment by:
Gary Dyck
It will cost us the same to run one of these engines as the ones we have today. Once government and oil companies see their profits dwindling from lack of gas taxes and profits we will find ourselves paying $50 per gallon at the pumps.
Posted: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Article comment by:
the doctor
he did not enter the Xprize competition noted above, he failed to finish the application and announced that he had dropped out. he has never demonstrated his outrageous mileage claim other than arguing that 15 mpg with E85 is 105 "equivalent" gas mileage.His new claim of letters of intent from 4 car manufacturers for 300,000 engines is obviously ridiculous.
Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Article comment by:
Jackie
Will these be for sale to the general public? and can you give a close figure on the cost? and Will it fit into a 90 Baretta?
Posted: Friday, June 12, 2009
Article comment by:
Jim
I would like to see an aviation motor developed.
A 200, or 400 hp. motor, with equivalent efficiency would be revolutionary.
Posted: Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Article comment by:
pam slone
I was wondering if you could give me more information on this company. I didn't get a chance to read the April article. I am currently laid off and in need of a job, to support my family. I would appreciate any information that you could give me. Thank you
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