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Old 11-02-2010, 11:14 AM   #39 (permalink)
dcb
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pimp mobile - '81 suzuki gs 250 t
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3dplane View Post
From what I gathered there isn't a yes or no answer as to whether the engine connects to the wheels or not!
It does when in steady state cruise / low torque requirement mode. They specifically switch out of series mode to combined mode, the motor/generator rotor is passing torque from the engine to the gearing to the wheels. That is when they get an efficiency "boost" of 15%. The motor-generator is basically like an insight IMA at that point, and the motor/planetary like a prius.
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WINDMILLS DO NOT WORK THAT WAY!!!