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Originally Posted by Ron61
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It makes sense to me, Ron. The large SUV's and pick-ups are what many American people want to buy. If they, as a group, improved by just a few miles-per-gallon, it would have a major impact on relieving our foreign
oil dependence.
As I tried to point out before, I think that the hybrid theme will soon work well with new electric transmissions that are cheaper and more dependable than the hydraulic automatics that we have become accustomed to,
especially for large truck type vehicles. Even notice how exorbitantly expensive the new computerized automatic hydro trannies have become? I think their future reign is very limited and they are partially electric now anyway. The all-electric drive Prius, for example, has been listed by Consumer Reports as the
most trouble-free car in the world, bar none.
As another example of electric transmission durability, let me reiterate that our locomotives have been using electric transmissions for a long time (since the '50's) with now over 700 hp per drive-motor. The principle of torque conversion is achieved by the inherent quality of all electric motors to draw the largest amount of current (thereby greatest torque) starting at stall speed and reducing to nearly zero current draw (and no torque) at neutral cruise or whenever there is no drag. Very, very efficient. And when an electric motor is pushed beyond neutral cruise, it becomes a generator, pumping up the storage batteries. The one negative factor of carbon brushes for DC motors/generators has been recently overcome by use of large super-heavy-duty solidstate inverters that replace these high wear items. Suddenly, electric transmissions have become very viable. More than viable.
IMHO, Toyota has developed the best system to handle large amounts of power so far and they are cautiously running with it. Their so called Synergy Drive, a uniquely clever arrangement, may even be patented to the exclusion of general use. Not even Honda has been able to match it. Nissan shares the identical drive development used in the Camry but only offers it in limited markets, in the Altima.
Toyota is very actively promoting their large truck and SUV's in recent trade shows, and I expect that they will shortly announce heavy duty hybrid technology in these lines also.
I haven't actually seen any publicized hint yet ...but I find it hard to believe that they won't eventually take blitzkrieg advantage of their present frontrunner position. I expect to see a lot of hopeful hoopla promoting American made(?) vehicles, especially from GM who has a bit of catching-up to do as the formerly most fuel efficient manufacturer. Some new vehicles are hybrids ...but very marginally so with maybe 5 hp worth electric boost. Still, not much of an electric boost and regeneration is required in the city due to low hp needs.
I just love cars. I don't care if they are electric or not.
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