Using Rav4 rear drive to hybridize a Ridgeline?

[JSH]

The Ridgline is one of those FWD transverse engine unibody vehicles specifically designed for AWD and a driveshaft running the length of the vehicle.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

The Ridgline is one of those FWD transverse engine unibody vehicles specifically designed for AWD and a driveshaft running the length of the vehicle.

Indeed, but as the transverse engine and transmission usually require fewer clearance the driveshaft tunnel for a transverse-engined AWD-capable unibody usually remains smaller than the tunnel of some longitudinally-engined platform more oriented toward RWD even when it also features AWD capability. Usually it's less of a PITA to switch from longitudinal engine and RWD to transverse and FWD than the other way around for instance, and it would also provide more room for a through-the-road hybrid AWD setup resorting to an electric-driven rear axle.

[JSH]

So you don't think an electric motor will fit near the center carrier bearing between the metal fuel tank guard and exhaust on the Ridgeline?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

So you don't think an electric motor will fit near the center carrier bearing between the metal fuel tank guard and exhaust on the Ridgeline?

It will most likely depend on engine size, and the controllers will also require some room. And most electric motors that I have seen that would be capable to provide a reasonable all-around performance for a Ridgeline would be a tight fit.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

It will most likely depend on engine size, and the controllers will also require some room. And most electric motors that I have seen that would be capable to provide a reasonable all-around performance for a Ridgeline would be a tight fit.

Seems like something like this would work:

https://www.evwest.com/catalog/produ...roducts_id=286

7" in diameter, 35 hp / 82 lb-ft. Comes with the controller. The logical place for the controller is in the truck with the battery.

Some of the belt driven 48V hybrid motors might work as well for junkyard prices.

It really depends on what the OP wants his hybrid to do. Is this hybrid system for low speed parking lot speeds and boosting performance or is he looking to run in a full EV mode and road speeds?


Still seems simpler than trying to make a RAV4 motor physically fit and then the programming hassle of trying to work with a 2 motor / electric differential motor unit.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

Some of the belt driven 48V hybrid motors might work as well for junkyard prices.

Maybe it could work, yet I would be concerned about the impact of not relying on the belt-drive for dampening of some efforts which could eventually damage the main shaft of such motors.

[Piotrsko]

Since motor current tends to be a multiple of battery current, the trend is to place the controller as close as possible to the motor to reduce the abnormally large conductors.

Prolly won't hurt the motor shaft, but it will take the bearings out really fast.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Since motor current tends to be a multiple of battery current, the trend is to place the controller as close as possible to the motor to reduce the abnormally large conductors.

Close is better electrically. Protected is better for damage mitigation.

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Prolly won't hurt the motor shaft, but it will take the bearings out really fast.

Which is why you would want a carrier bearing close to the motor.