An automotive technology that merits consideration

[IDemo]

Most of the talk this week about bailouts of the auto giants seems to take one extreme or the other: Either give them billions of dollars to continue producing oversized vehicles with low mpg and high CO2 numbers, or let them fail. Maybe some new thinking on the problem is required.

While it would be great if these factories could be retooled to produce nothing but electric vehicles or super high mpg hybrids, the cost would likely be prohibitive, even with additional bailout money. But what if the models being produced today (or already on the road) could be easily retrofitted to become plug-in hybrids (PHEV)? Maybe they can.

One such technology is the Poulsen Hybrid system. If this technology were licensed to the major car companies and even part of the product line utilized it, think of the savings in engineering and retooling, along with higher mileage and lower climate impact. That is of course assuming that they don't simply shelve the idea ala EV-1.

Creates a PHEV by retro-fitting electric motors, DC motor controllers, a battery pack and an on-board charger to a conventional new or used automobile.

The development is based on the observation that only 10-15 horsepower is required to propel a compact or mid-size automobile along a level road at a steady 60 mph. leading to the conclusion that this relatively small amount of electric power would be able to cope with 70-85% of normal driving, only aided by the combustion engine during start up and when extra energy is required for acceleration and hill climbing.

The patented system incorporates powerful electric motors mounted externally onto 2 wheels of a conventional car. The motors are normally applied to the rear wheels, in the process converting a front wheel driven car to all wheel drive. The system also works equally well with rear and all wheel drive vehicles, and gasoline, diesel, or natural gas fuels.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. retrofitting existing cars is a key

I think. In this economy, too many can't afford new cars, but they could afford a retrofit--which would open up jobs to folks doing the retrofitting. Also it means we aren't using up valuable natural resources, but are basically recycling older vehicles in an efficient manner.

[Sinti]

5. This is a great idea. Many people could be employed in this

Both the training and labor could be done by small, local businesses - which would be two sources of jobs, before counting any administration positions. If you went with a technology like the Tesla Car for new vehicles, then you only have to worry about creating sustainable, and clean grid power sources. Until a full turnover to new cars is achieved older cars could be "hybridized". It would be a huge step forward.

[Greyhound]

2. This is why we must take over the companies, not just give the same pigs more to feast upon.

This is a clever, and relatively inexpensive, idea that they will not implement without being forced.
:kick: & R

[madokie]

3. Yes it does

Its a good idea to help today while the EV's and hybrids ramp up production

[defendandprotect]

4. Take over the corps--oust CEO's ---make progressive changes --

saving these corps as they are is insane --!!!

[OxQQme]

6. There is also, too, hydrogen on demand

open sourced plans and specs to build your own generator, or purchase ready made.

http://www.panaceauniversity.org/

Scroll down a page or two and click on hydroxy boosters. It's a .pdf (Foxit reader rawks).
Caveats apply you betcha

[defendandprotect]

8. Hydrogen is Bush's plan, isn't it--???

Best way to go is electric and solar cell --

See: "Who Killed The Electric Car" --!!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. I emailed this to my husband

who got on their mailing list so we'll know when they will have a kit to retrofit our vehicle. He is a retired auto mechanic and is VERY EXCITED over this.

[IDemo]

9. Kickin' this cuz it's Car Thread Day on DU