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SmileyLenhart |
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flattail |
1. RE: Hybrid Cars
Oct 27 2008, 12:22 PM EDT
"Hybrid" basically means it is a combination of two types of power--a gasoline engine and an electric engine (as opposed to an all-electric vehicle). Typically it will use the electric motor at slow speeds then the gas motor will kick in at faster speeds. When the gas engine is running it is also charging the batteries for the electric engine. There are a lot of options out there, including plug-in hybrids which let you charge the car from an outlet instead of from the gas engine. All-electric cars are also plug-in but have a limited range compared to a hybrid (being able to carry a fuel source is still an advantage for distance). Why are they better for the environment? Basically because they are burning less gasoline. They are still using energy, but it is less wasteful for that energy to be produced at a power plant rather than within the car's engine. Car engines lose most of their energy as heat (hence the need for a big cooling system). Electricity is simply a more efficient vehicle fuel than liquid fossil fuels, so it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Having said that, I do not own a hybrid vehicle. When I was shopping for a car I decided to buy a used car with good mileage (30 mpg) for only $3,000. I don't think I could drive a new hybrid for enough years to save enough on gas to make up the difference in purchase price. But the technology is only improving and someday I'll own something that does not use gasoline at all! 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
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SmileyLenhart |
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DavidWilson |
3. RE: Hybrid Cars
Dec 19 2008, 2:06 PM EST
Hi guys. First off, watch the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car?" to get you going on the technology, and how long the technologies have been around. Second, hybrids are going backwards with where we could be as far as transportation. The bottom line is we are still dependanat on fossil fuels. Doing research, it was an eye opener to find out that there were MORE full electric cars on the roads in the early 19th century than gas cars. People who had money invested in fossil fuels pushed for the combustion engine. In short, the electric car was shelved and we have been stuck with this dirty form of energy ever since. And now, guess what? We are running out while changing our environment with the same stone. I have already taken steps to see how difficult it is to "change" over a combustion engine to a full electric. My friend and I last summer (2007) removed the combustion engine from an old 3 wheeler and over the course of a few days with different motors and batteries, ended up with a scissor lift DC electric motor and 3 deep cycle 12 volt sealed batteries. The machine was silent in operation, carried myself (250 pounds) with my 3 kids on it for over a mile. It's not gonna win us any medals or awards yet it did show me just how easy it is and how much fun it can be. Total cost of the project: $175.00. The bike was $25.00 at the junk yard and the batteries were $50.00 each. The labor was all in house and the motor was salvaged off of a broken lift (the DC motor was fully operational). Try to understand, we have had access to this very efficient (around 90% in most cases) form of transportation (the full electric) yet we have been programmed to think that it is inferior to fossil fuel technologies. The trains that carry thousands of tons of cargo from coast to coast run 1,000 HP DC motors powered by diesel generators. The elctric motor is superior. GO AGGIES! david 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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flattail |
4. RE: Hybrid Cars
Dec 19 2008, 6:01 PM EST
Thanks David for the great insights. Hopefully things have changed enough that there is a great financial opportunity in electric cars. If people can make money off the technology then it seems almost certain to move ahead. That's pretty incredible to hear about your converted electric 3-wheeler. I'm impressed with your ingenuity and skill. I'm thinking of bringing an electric vehicle to the Utah market--scooter-style electric bikes. I'm in contact with Veloteq to become a distributor and hope to open the first Utah store right here in Logan this spring. I would love for you to check out the bikes at http://www.goldengateveloteq.com/Scooter_Style_Ebikes.html and tell me what you think. They will certainly cost more than your $175 conversion (more in the $1800-$2200 range). But they have no emissions, no noise, can go 30-40 miles per charge, recharge in about 6 hours, and are a lot of fun to ride! If you want to see one in person let me know (I have a couple of models, since I thought I had better make sure I loved the product before deciding to sell it). By the way, the cost per mile on one of these bikes comes to the equivalent of getting 500 miles per gallon, even at today's cheap fuel prices. I think we are only going to see more and more electric vehicles of all types! 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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DavidWilson |
5. RE: Hybrid Cars
Dec 19 2008, 7:21 PM EST
Hi there Flattail!That sounds like a lot of fun! If nothing else, I'd love a quiet ride up Logan Canyon on one of the new toys you have. I think that the timing is perfect right now. You make a good point with the gas prices being so low, yet there are some things to consider. #1 Fossil fuels are a NON RENEWABLE resource. We may be enjoying a very cost effective means of energy at the moment, yet eventually, and this will be much sooner than later, the real cost of this energy will occur (anyone remember the panic this last summer when gas was over $4.00 a gallon???). #2 The world is trying to go green even with the monterous powers behind the scenes trying to keep us strapped to "fee based" energy and products. I find it amazing that the big 3 car companies are crying desperately for help when they have had the ability and technology to build vehicles for us to use in any market for many decades yet refuse to release them. I have a 1999 Saturn which gets over 40 MPG highway, 34 city. I see commercials and adds for "BRAND NEW 2008" economy cars bragging about 32 MPG highway. It's absolutely crazy. #3 Anyone else besides me find it intruiging how gas prices historically have never gone down in price, yet with the near collapse of our economy, the price is almost as low as it was when I was in grade school (thats a long time ago!). And it's systematic for the gas companies to boost gas prices during the peak travel periods. I've heard reports that this next summer, crude oil will hit over $200.00 a barrel, meaning over $6.00 a gallon at the pump. I would love to meet with you and check out your bikes. Beginning a business like this could open new doors for you with full electric cars. The need is there, the future is coming, we need to do things on our own. Big brother cannot be trusted or depended on in a crisis situation. david davidwilsoniii@hotmail.com 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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nfields51 |
6. RE: Hybrid Cars
Sep 9 2009, 1:50 AM EDT
| Post edited: Sep 9 2009, 1:51 AM EDT
Hi guys, i would have to say that hybrid cars are valuable as it can save both petrol and the earth at the same time. i am just worried on what motor should be used. i am looking to use the Alternator as a universal motor as easy to come by compared to other "motors" that can be pretty expensive. i feel like it is a powerful motor. What do you guys think?
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DavidWilson |
7. RE: Hybrid Cars
Sep 10 2009, 12:26 AM EDT
"Hi guys, i would have to say that hybrid cars are valuable as it can save both petrol and the earth at the same time. i am just worried on what motor should be used. i am looking to use the Alternator as a universal motor as easy to come by compared to other "motors" that can be pretty expensive. i feel like it is a powerful motor. What do you guys think?"I have not used the alternator for a motor. Sounds like a fun project. Also consider the old car generators with reverse polarity and playin with the contacts. Keep in mind that the motors people are using for cars are designed for those applications. If you are wanting to get the most efficiency from a full electric system, use tried and true items. There are some good companies out there. Do your research and you may find coupons or other money saving promotions. Solar technology has transparent and flexible panels that could wrap around the motorcycle, car, truck, or bus. Windows could now add to power production. Consider the generally unused surface area ontop of cars, RVs, and trailers. 4-10 panels could be set up depending on the length of the vehicle. That's 800-2500 watts and 40-100 Amps in 12 volts during peak sun. Adding a (few) wind turbine(s) could be a nice addition for more power and extending battery output. Always an option. Go BIG BLUE! david Do you find this valuable? |
GoDieselUSA |
8. RE: Hybrid Cars
Oct 6 2009, 11:15 AM EDT
A caveat to the typical gasoline hybrid is that it's intrinsically tied to gasoline, and thus fossil fuel oil production.Now a diesel hybrid... well that has the potential to be run off bio-diesel which can be made just about anywhere, is clean and 100% renewable. Check out www.godieselusa.com for more information Do you find this valuable? |
