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Originally Posted by IamIan
Actually you do get to down size the ICE considerably... even without any traction buffering batteries in the system.
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No, because you can add a "granny gear" to a regular transmission, with a lot greater transmission efficiency than driving a generator driving a motor. The inefficiency of such a setup will marginalize/negate your ability to downsize the engine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by IamIan
but the term hybrid is not exclusive to energy storage methods
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The phrase "hybrid vehicle" is not that nebulous though.
"According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a hybrid vehicle is one that employs two separate power sources, typically a gasoline-powered engine and an electric motor, which is powered by rechargeable batteries. Hybrid vehicles also feature a regenerative braking system, which, when combined with the dual power sources, allows hybrid vehicles to maximize fuel efficiency while reducing the negative impact to the environment."
A motor without electricity is just an anchor. A motor supplied electricity from an engine and a generator is just a really horribly inefficient transmission. A motor with a regen controller and batteries and an engine to supply additional motive force (either supplementing rotational energy or electrons) is undisputably a hybrid vehicle.