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Posts Tagged ‘Electric Cars’

Facts About Hybrid Cars

0 September 24th, 2010

There are a number of myths and misrepresentations about hybrid cars but there are also a number of clear facts. Certain hybrid cars produce a significant amount less pollutants than conventional cars although the amount depends on the model. The United States Government offers a number of incentives so that citizens will turn to hybrid cars and these include a valuable tax rebate. The cost of hybrid cars can be high initially but the truth about it is that it is an investment as the parts have warranties that provide free replacements. They keep their value as they are so much in demand. They tend to last longer than conventional gasoline cars and do not require more maintenance than other cars. The facts about hybrid cars technology is that they are always improving and becoming more efficient offering faster and more economic versions as time goes by. Hybrid cars are environmentally and economically friendly and provide an advanced form of travel.

There is a lot of information that car owners need to know about hybrid cars in order to make the right choice. Some people are confused about how hybrid cars work but they need to know a few basic details. Hybrid cars use small gasoline engines and electric motors that need to be recharged in order to function properly. The battery that supplies the power is generated by the energy used when the car is braking but it is not necessary to use the brakes more than normal. The average amount of brake use should provide more than enough power to the electric motor.

Hybrid cars use less gas because of the smaller engine and the use of the electric motor for assistance and save on further gas emissions and fuel use by automatically switching off the engine when the car is stopped in traffic only to switch on again when the car is put in gear and accelerated. They are quietly run cars and economically friendly and most manufacturers even produce these cars or else plan to. They have a good resale value and sell for about the same amount as they are bought for as their value does not depreciate as much as conventional vehicles. Advances in technology include powering up the battery by using a plug in method and these technologies are constantly being improved.

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1917 Woods Dual Power

0 May 7th, 2010

The first hybrid gas electric car did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied more power and electric cars were smoother, but had limited range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company wanted to supply a car that gave you the best of both worlds.

The best part is, it was a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car up to 20 mph. Together with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph.

The gas engine and electric engine were connected using a magnetic clutch. The gas engine became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine.

Only the electric motor could be used while going in reverse. Why? Because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears!

The car battery designed for this car was about half the size of the batteries in other electric cars of the time. Once the car got up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, allowing the electric motor and gas motor to work together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by another lever. Recharging was done by the gas motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level ground or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of less than 6 mph.

Available for only 2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, costing an extra 25. Or you could ‘pimp’ your vehicle out for another 100 (paint and trim).

Ultimately, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to service to be a commercial success.