Quote:
Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k
Hybrids add weight, complexity and cost. Three things that each by themselves is in complete conflict with the Miata...nevermind all three.
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Some mild hybrids combine the starter motor, alternator, and flywheel, so in a sense complexity is reduced, sort of... A battery pack (or supercapacitors or combination) sized for energy recapture from braking rather than for huge range can be compact and lightweight. And you get an on-demand power-adder from the electric motor so ICE could be a bit smaller/lighter/cheaper and more efficient.
I think mild hybridization should surely be a part of the approach to reducing CO2 emissions. But in the US just applying same CAFE standards to trucks and SUVs as they do to cars and eliminating the adjustment that gives larger cars a break would be huge in reducing CO2 emissions.