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Old 07-21-2013, 03:04 AM   #35 (permalink)
redpoint5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by P-hack View Post
I cannot think of one "advantage" that series has over parallel, except being able to simply recharge the batteries at a stop (which means you are "idling", so stop that), and reduced mechanical complexity...

The engine absolutely should have a means to power the wheels directly (and efficiently), no exceptions, it makes sense in the city and the hiway. "Mostly parallel" is the way to go if you are relying on fuel.
As per similar discussion in that other thread, I disagree. There is a reason trains are series only, and there are city busses that run series only also. Being able to reduce the weight and complexity of a transmission, while also downsizing the engine and running at peak BSFC for a vehicle that frequently accelerates, stops,and idles seems to make sense.

I wish garbage trucks were series only, so they wouldn't make so much noise accelerating the powerful engine just to screech to a halt again and idle. Perhaps a parallel would still do this more efficiently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenHornet View Post
I think in the next 75 years or less hybrids will be very mainstream and we will be hard pressed at least here in the US to purchase an ICE only car in fact it may very well be against the law to drive an ICE only car due to tougher emissions standards as well as proposed fuel economy standards! The future is going to get very interesting to say the least.
I don't see hybrids as being mainstream in 75 years. Instead I see them as a bridging technology on the way to full electric, and expect they will mostly be replaced by that time frame. It just doesn't make sense to have all the complexity, weight, and cost of 2 different propulsion systems.

My ideal currently is to own an EV for commuting and errands, with an efficient ICE for longer trips, or when a second car is needed at the same time.
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