Hybrids in the news

[billvon 3,132]

Some interesting hybrids around -

First is a hydraulic hybrid that UPS is trying out. It uses a hydraulic/pneumatic accumulator instead of a battery to store power from the engine and from braking. They're seeing a 60% increase in fuel economy.

http://technocrat.net/d/2006/6/22/4774

Second is the Army's new HEMTT (heavy expanded mobility tactical truck.) It uses a diesel generator to power motors on four axles; a bank of ultracapacitors serves as the battery. It can ford five feet of water, hit 45mph offroad and 65mph onroad, has eight wheels (all driven, four steered) and can climb 60 degree inclines while carrying 13 tons. It's more powerful than its predecessor and gets 40% better gas mileage.

And when needed it can also become a 300kW electrical generator - enough to power a small hospital.

(Design News magazine, Aug 14 2006)

Third, the Marines are testing a hybrid reconnaisance vehicle, the RST-V. This vehicle has the advantages of higher fuel economy, more ability to sustain damage and keep moving, and a "silent" mode where the vehicle makes no engine noise at all.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2006-02-13-humvee_x.htm

Fourth, the 2008 Prius is almost here, and they will be cutting the cost of the hybrid system by about 50% and making it smaller, lighter and more powerful. (Smaller gas engine, larger electric motor.) It is likely to use lithium-ion batteries instead of NiMH. Gas mileage should go up another 10-15%.

[StreetScooby 5]

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It is likely to use lithium-ion batteries instead of NiMH.

Do these batteries run hot? Can they catch on fire?

We are all engines of karma

[billvon 3,132]

>Do these batteries run hot? Can they catch on fire?

Depends on the chemistry. Graphite/hard carbon electrodes can. Phosphate electrodes are a lot more immune. In any case, protection circuits do a pretty good job preventing fires/damage to batteries (if they are designed well.)

[StreetScooby 5]

Only reason I ask is the Dell fiasco.

We are all engines of karma

[kallend 2,182]

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Only reason I ask is the Dell fiasco.

Apple too. Just announced recall.

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The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[rehmwa 2]

Crap - from the title I thought it was another post about those half man, half animal things again.

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Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[Royd 0]

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Fourth, the 2008 Prius is almost here, and they will be cutting the cost of the hybrid system by about 50% and making it smaller, lighter and more powerful. (Smaller gas engine, larger electric motor.) It is likely to use lithium-ion batteries instead of NiMH. Gas mileage should go up another 10-15%.

When they make one that can haul a ton of plywood, let me know.

[rehmwa 2]

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Fourth, the 2008 Prius is almost here, and they will be cutting the cost of the hybrid system by about 50% and making it smaller, lighter and more powerful. (Smaller gas engine, larger electric motor.) It is likely to use lithium-ion batteries instead of NiMH. Gas mileage should go up another 10-15%.

When they make one that can haul a ton of plywood, let me know.

You can do it - you take 200 pounds per trip and drive it 10 times.

OK, I'm exagerating - 100 pounds x 20 trips

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Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[billvon 3,132]

>When they make one that can haul a ton of plywood, let me know.

The HEMTT will haul 13 tons of plywood.

[kelpdiver 2]

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Fourth, the 2008 Prius is almost here, and they will be cutting the cost of the hybrid system by about 50% and making it smaller, lighter and more powerful. (Smaller gas engine, larger electric motor.) It is likely to use lithium-ion batteries instead of NiMH. Gas mileage should go up another 10-15%.

When they make one that can haul a ton of plywood, let me know.

If you're doing that weekly, you get a different vehicle. Hybrid truck?

If you're doing it annually or less, rent a pickup truck for the day.

[skydyvr 0]

Do you have any thoughts on the '07 Camry hybrid? I've got my eye on that, simply becasue it looks better than the later model Prius models (yuck).

. . =(_8^(1)

[happythoughts 0]

I would like to see them be plug-compatible from the factory. I park on the 3rd floor of our garage.
It covers two acres.

It would be a good bit of public relations to rig some solar cells. Wire 300 parking spaces with free electricity while you are parked for the day. A lot of people drive less than 20 miles one way to work.