Hybrid vehicles: fully programmed engine control units

Manufacturers of hybrid vehicles now have access to a powerful new tool in the form of fully programmed engine control units (ECUs) customised for their application.

Ford has appointed Essex-based Revolve Technologies as its sole European Quality Calibration Modifier (QCM), giving them unique access to its engine technical information.



As engine designs become ever more complex, optimising for new applications is an increasing challenge that requires access to complex data sets.

Specially calibrated ECUs

Engines produced for hybrid vehicles using specially calibrated ECUs can offer improved reliability and fuel economy. Complying with Euro6 emissions regulations in particular requires highly precise designs to meet the stringent emission requirements.

Revolve has been granted access to the complete engine data, and is one of only five companies in the world to partner with Ford in this way.

Hybrid vehicle OEMs can now use Ford engines with optimised engine management parameters, based on full technical information obtained through the authorised and supported QCM route.

Previously, they had to purchase their ECUs for each engine design from third parties with no access to the important Ford parameters that are essential to maximising performance from hybrid engines.

Revolve’s Engineering Manager, Bryn Slaney said: “There are many new opportunities to take advantage of this new development, as we now have infinitely variable control over what can be offered. Niche OEMs and volume producers of hybrid and conventional vehicles will benefit.”

Paul McDermott, Sales Director of Ford Component Sales said: “By giving Revolve access to an ‘open/development’ ECU, they can start work with the base calibration of a current Ford vehicle, and then work with customers, adjusting calibration settings to suit the customer’s application or vehicle.”

The Revolve formal QCM partnership is already in place for conventional engines.