Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gears
Why not a diesel/electric. The diesel powered alternator only starts at the request of the battery monitor and then runs at it's most efficient RPM. The driver would have no control over this charging unit. The car is driven by inboard mounted wheel motors. ( flick a switch for 4 wheel drive )
but all 4 will regenerate when your foot comes completely off the throttle pedal. The wheel motor concept eliminates the expensive differential gear sets.
This would be a good tapering off vehicle. You got your diesel (to keep us happy) and an electric car to keep the environmentalists happy.
The little three banger in the Smart car will turn one hell of an alternator.
Comments please.
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You're certainly not the first one to think of this and some of the car makers have already given it a thought if not a try. But the main obstacle appears to be the production cost. Diesel typically carries a price premium, and so does a hybrid/battery system. I'm sure it can be made, but probably not for profit at this time, especially given the weak economy and cheap fuel.
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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)
Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL
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