Originally Posted by serialk11r (Post 154158)

I was just looking up electric motor stuff because I noticed on Wikipedia that some electric motors are easily >1hp/kg, which is better than most gas engines! Then I looked up the power density of ultracapacitors...20 pound pack of crappy current gen activated carbon ones is good for 100kJ boost.

That made me curious, how much could this cost? I came to the conclusion that a mild hybrid system's cost is mostly in the battery pack. If they cut down the battery pack size and integrate ultracapacitors in it, the cost is easily reduced by a lot.

I'd really like to see a sporty car come with a mild hybrid setup with limited energy storage capability (say enough capacity to store whatever the motor can pick up in a 120-0 deceleration, with the friction brakes still working)...I think very few people would be unhappy about a power boost at very little weight penalty. Sticker price would go up a few k probably, but if it's primarily ultracapacitor storage it should be able to slash the cost by a lot. 2000-3000 bucks for much better low end torque and a little bit of hp? That's not too shabby IMO, just like a small turbo but instead of hurting your fuel economy it makes it better.

It costs <$1000 to get a ~30hp electric motor, and probably 1000 for a controller (for the OEM). Utilizing lithium doped ultracapacitors, 20 pounds should get 100kJ worth of capacity for under 1000. You'd be adding weight and power at approximately the same ratio as increasing engine size. Actually since you're ditching the alternator, and presumably reducing lead acid battery size, and the starter, it should come out to a very small mass penalty. It'd act as a "brake upgrade" of sorts.

Originally Posted by zigzagz94 (Post 154195)

Isn't she on Spatacus now?

Originally Posted by Giccin (Post 154298)

Yea!

And that show is awesome. LOL

Although I like "Game of Throne's" plot better.

Originally Posted by Giccin (Post 153937)

Anyone remember watching "Xena?"

lol

Originally Posted by neutron256 (Post 154212)

There are a lot of factors here, but the truth is the best option will most likely be a mix of ultracapacitors, and batteries. Ultracapacitors for quick regen and acceleraction and the batteries for cruising. Ultracapicators are very useful but have very low power density. They may be light but they are very bulky.

Originally Posted by Dimman (Post 154323)

You read the books?

Originally Posted by M-17 (Post 154380)

Is the new season of Spartacus good? I haven't watched any of them yet.

Originally Posted by Dimman (Post 154323)

You read the books?

Originally Posted by Giccin (Post 154476)

I just started on the season. I like it so far. Lol

Stars has episode 1 of season 2 up streaming for free right now if you want to watch.

Originally Posted by Guff (Post 154745)

I'm in Moab, Utah for spring break and I get 2 bars at most. But thankfully our cabin has WiFi. Being away from the site (and especially the BRZerhood) makes me a bored boy...