Hybrid Discussion
 

Love em, like em, or absolutely hate them.

Please discuss them here.

From this thread. Lexus F Page the middle to bottom of page 10 to all of page 11. Almost 40 posts about hybrids.

:laughabove:

I don't buy into the KERS system since there isn't a single mass production version. And since it's used by Porsche, super expensive.

I like the Honda "mild" hybrid system because the battery pack is small, the motor is lightweight, and yet does add enough HP to give good torque for normal DD, and it is available with a standard gearbox. Plus the MPG is better than the standard econoboxes. The drawbacks are mostly Honda related. Only FWD, designed more for DD, etc etc. I would still pick the CR-Zzz over the Prius or Fusion anyday. Although the first thing I would do is put back seats in the car.

I only like Manual trans hybrids, which limits the choices a bit.

Really I don't care if a hybrid system is used or not, if the car is fun to drive, provides feedback to the driver through the wheel, pedals, seat, etc then :thumbup:

Still awaiting a diesel hybrid vehicle. Despite the obvious increase in weight, I'd love to see how it would perform.

I have a belief that the Volt should have had a small turbo diesel (particularly for Europe). It would have grabbed both my attention and recognition. But perhaps it would cut too far into that beloved EV milage.

http://bioage.typepad.com/photos/unc.../07/17/hvr.png

best.hybrid.ever.

<3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J-vYph6abI

A car that combines the two most expensive and heaviest options? It would cost $25k or more for a compact car as diesel hybrid! Just look at how much the "compact" Prius costs and it's only a hybrid. Adding a Diesel engine to the Volt would have added thousands onto the already sky high price!

There is a reason companies are focusing on one not two efficient technologies. No turbo Gasoline-Electric hybrids, no Diesel-Electric Hybrids, etc.

Sure, if money is no object :|.

Go for broke hahaha. I'm sure you've guessed that I'm not a fan of gas-electric (particularly in the Volts case). I would still like to see a decent attempt on the experimental or concept level (where they can "waste" money).

Maybe I'll just make one for the hell of it after I finish school. Kind of like the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust ;);).

The cool thing about Honda IMA is you can potentially do interesting things with manual trans. If they had a bit stronger of a motor, you could start the car without slipping the clutch for example. I think in the near future we will start to see integrated starter/alternator mild hybrids become more common. Audi already has it standard I think. It's the most cost effective way to get a tiny bit of regenerative braking.

I still think Toyota HSD has the most promise though, they haven't used it on a "fast" car yet, but if they do it should be pretty good :)

Anyone care to explain the difference between Honda's 'Ultracapacitor' and normal batteries?

Well, the IMA motor is plenty big enough (14HP rating) to start out, it's the tiny battery pack that is the limitation besides the lack of a decoupler or clutch to run on pure electric power. Many other Hybrid get better city MPG than Highway because they can run on battery power at low to moderate speeds for even short periods of time. Although the tiny battery pack, that is considered an advantage in a hybrid, means 1-2 miles of range at low speed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electri...ayer_capacitor

Basically it's a capacitor with a lot of carbon particles in it to increase surface area a lot, and increase the amount of charge it can hold. It can handle higher discharge rates than a battery, but holds less power. It cannot discharge as fast as a regular capacitor but has much higher energy density. They figure the vast majority of the time when you are braking, the total amount of energy is relatively small so they can just store that more efficiently with an ultracapacitor. It's like putting a smaller battery on, except it can provide more power when discharging and doesn't lose as much in conversion. Thus, it also doesn't need to be cooled the way a battery does. Flybrid claimed that the conversion from mechanical to electrical to chemical and back with typical batteries has only 40% efficiency. The battery is definitely a big part of this, so replacing it with an ultracapacitor would improve the overall efficiency to maybe 60% or more.

You're a piece of work Sir Carl. :bellyroll:

Most of the manufacturers seem to be working on them, what makes you think a flywheel and CVT are super expensive? It still seems a few years away, but Volvo seems to be ready with theirs.