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Old 01-26-2010, 08:30 PM   #5 (permalink)
Bicycle Bob
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: N. Saskatchewan, CA
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Appliance White - '93 Geo Metro 4-Dr. Auto
Last 3: 42.35 mpg (US)

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Even on a small car, the brakes can absorb energy at a rate in the hundreds of horsepower. A generator for even a hundred HP, which might suffice for most situations, would still be rather heavy to carry around, as would be the system to store power at that rate. Regenerative braking systems are not always worth while even if you already have an electric traction motor. I just did an 80 mile round trip, and only touched the brakes at the ends.
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