Quote:
Originally Posted by radix023
I see two configurations being used in the near term: 1) ICE engine and supplemental electrical motors, with power generated by braking (so no electric only running unless you've put power in the battery) instead of plugging in 2) a small ICE that switches on and runs at optimal RPM to drive an electrical generator and electrical motors for all wheel power (the same model as the diesel-electric locomotives use).
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One of my employees has a new Chevy "Volt" which is option 2 above. I gather it only has like 60 miles of range on straight battery, but it's really designed like a locomotive in that the VVL 4-banger in it runs a genset that in-turn runs the wheels. The battery is just to store any excess power from braking or the genset providing more than required motive power.
There's some story about the EPA not really knowing how to rate the gas mileage of the thing because it's not a normal EV or hybrid, but they eventually settled on like 98mpg.
As for a "car", it's typical Chevy fare; nothing to write home about... But I do like the fact you can use it as a genset for your house if the power goes out.
