Proposed: Hybrid Car with Detachable Engine

Post by **IVI** » Wed, 28 Mar 2012, 19:05

Well, if a detachable battery isn't to Aussie's liking,
perhaps a detachable engine will be (presumably, to give
increased range, by reducing the total vehicle weight):

+ http://tech.slashdot.org/story/12/03/27 ... e-proposed

Personally, I still prefer 100% Electric, with it battery be-
in the detachable part... Agassi's BetterPlace.com rules, IMO.

Post by **Johny** » Wed, 28 Mar 2012, 20:11

Of course you do....

Post by **Richo** » Wed, 28 Mar 2012, 20:45

Do you really want to drive a car designed by 3-people one of which is a journalist?

Post by **IVI** » Thu, 29 Mar 2012, 02:54

That depends on the -design- NOT the "color of the person's parachute" (ie, occupation) or any other irrelevant attributes we might find out about them.

For one thing, not matter -who- designs a car... an engineer has to sign-off on it AND - unfortunately - it has to be crash-tested.

Web sites get designed by teams... one of which is often a graphic designer; do you NOT visit web sites designed by such teams...?

I don't think so... but then, would you know?

Post by **Faz** » Thu, 29 Mar 2012, 20:58

I can't see the point myself.
In case I somehow have the need (or inclination) for extra range I need to find a "dedicated logistics centre" to fit an engine to the back of the car?!!!!
At the price of . . . . . . . ?

p.s. Web designer = designer, Graphic designer = designer, Journalist = wordsmith not black smith.

Post by **woody** » Fri, 30 Mar 2012, 16:41

I think a range-extending trailer is a better way to go. Small and light and fits into our current laws...

Post by **Rattrap** » Sat, 31 Mar 2012, 16:14

I agree, range extending trailers are the way to go to fill the gap till battery technology reaches the next milestone.
I'm frankly gob smacked that no companies seem to be picking up the idea of range extending trailers, there's a whole industry just waiting to be born....

Post by **AMPrentice** » Sun, 01 Apr 2012, 18:42

QFT!
Range extending trailers should be an option where if peeps couldnt afford it at purchase they could hire them or buy them later if needed.

This rear engine is a complicated useless mess of an idea

Post by **Rattrap** » Tue, 03 Apr 2012, 14:41

Heres a new story on a range extending turbine engine, much better idea than a detachable engine! Now if they can squeeze a micro turbine & a 30kw generator into this small car why the **** haven't we seen a range extending trailer? I just don't get it!
http://www.thechargingpoint.com/opinion ... ly+News%29

Post by **Johny** » Tue, 03 Apr 2012, 15:37

Hi Rattrap. When you are including web links it helps to be in the full editor mode (the up-to-the-right arrow icon just to the left of the question mark icon). Apologies if you already know that.

The whisper sounds like a great way to do a hybrid. As they say, the problem with turbines in cars is mainly start up time and throttle lag. All gone with an electric drive system. I hope they find an investor.

It would also mean tyhat the pack could be downsized to "average" usage similar to the Volt. It would only need about 50-60km range. That would help control the cost.

Fixed link:
http://www.thechargingpoint.com/opinion ... ly+News%29

Post by **Rattrap** » Wed, 04 Apr 2012, 00:06

Thanks for that Johny, i didn't know the best way to add links, don't do it a lot here. cheers for fixing it.
Regarding downsizing the pack size to similar to the Volt, i was thinking the same thing. If the mirco-turbines could indeed be mass produced pulling the price down & battery packs also downsized this should indeed reduce the market price & equally increase market interest in EV's.