From: spike66 (spike66@attbi.com)
Date: Tue Jul 02 2002 - 21:22:27 MDT
John B wrote:
>The newer high-efficiency hybrid cars out there are a
>step in the right direction, IMO. However, I do NOT
>expect them to become a common sight unless there are
>significant government subsidies - little cars don't
>fit into American's self-image as it now exists. -John
>
Ja, however hybrid cars need not be small. The first commercial hybrids
available were both compacts, but the tech could be adapted to big cars and
even highway going trucks. I could see a family minivan translating well
into hybrid tech: ten to a dozen standard car batteries charged by
a twin cylinder constant output horizontally opposed air cooled engine
displacing about a half a liter and producing about 25 kw (~33
horsepower) at
constant velocity. Not so well suited for the freeway perhaps, but great
for hauling the soccer team around town, and even better for traffic jams
like those found in the hood here in taxifornia. I would expect them to
average half again the fuel economy of a non-hybrid with not much
performance hit. spike
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