Nickname: Victor

Review: How about a pure hybrid. A study in 1960, based on a 3200 lb. Chevrolet Bel Air sedan with engine,transmission and drive shaft removed, a 15 HP DC electric motor connected to the rear differential without a transmission because torque/speed characteristics of a DC motor did not need it. For electricity, based on a mix of city and highway driving, the study showed that two lead/acid batteries to provide short term peak power for acceleration, with a typical IC engine of 13 HP running at constant speed. A gasoline engine in this size was not available, so a 15 HP Petter diesel was used, running at 1030 RPM and belt driving a standard generator at 980 rpm. Standard industrial electromechanical motor-generator controls were used to switch the drive motor to a generator for regenerative braking. A working model was built,and fuel economy was in the range of 90 to 115 MPG, with accelertion and speed performance superior to the V8 engine replaced.

Date reviewed: Jan 18, 2006 12:34 AM