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Old 04-23-2010, 02:05 PM   #5 (permalink)
vpoppv
The $500 Electric Car
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryland View Post
but why? you could shorten the drive shaft and have the motor right off the tranny.
As for CV shafts being another moving part, that is true, but as an example Honda civic drive shafts tend to last 200,000 miles and I would think that the reduction in unsprung weight would increase the efficentecy enough to make it worth while, the slightly larger heavier motor should be cheaper to build as well and that should offset the cost of a cv joint or two.
Well honestly I don't think trying to pack two technologies in one car is a very good idea: it takes away from the efficiency of BOTH. But a hub motor would seem to provide more room in the engine compartment for an engine. Until the masses get over their distance anxieties, hybrids will be the "in" thing.
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