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Old 04-04-2011, 11:35 PM   #126 (permalink)
nimblemotors
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Christ View Post
So the only time the electric motor will be able to do anything is with the engine spinning?
Right, the motor has a solid direct connection to the engine crankshaft, so if the motor rpm == engine rpm.

Quote:
It's not a bad idea, but is there no way you could get it between the engine and transmission, with the clutch between the gasser and e motor?

This would allow electric only drive, simply by pressing the clutch pedal, but still allow the e motor to s start the engine, provide power assistance, and charge the battery while driving.
The real key as I mentioned, is this adds no weight over a traditional gas engine drivetrain, yet could improve mpg. I'll be using a lithium battery pack, that will weigh about the same as a lead-acid starter battery, maybe a little bigger, we'll have to see.
It would take a much bigger motor and probably hundreds of lbs of batteries to power the car any distance without using the gas engine.
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