Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid Train

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A hybrid train is a rail vehicle or train that uses an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), placed between the power source (often a diesel engine prime mover) and the traction transmission system connected to the wheels.

Surplus energy from the power source, or energy derived from regenerative braking, charges the storage system. During acceleration, stored energy is directed to the transmission system, boosting that available from the main power source. In existing designs, the storage system can be electric traction batteries, or a flywheel. The energy source is diesel, liquified petroleum gas, or hydrogen (for fuel cells) and transmission is direct mechanical, electric or hydrostatic.

Using a storage system means that a non-fully electric train can use dynamic braking, and even shut down the main power source whilst idling or stationary. Reducing energy consumption provides environmental benefits and economic savings.[1] A smaller scale version of the concept is found in hybrid automobiles, such as the Toyota Prius.

List of Hybrid cars since 1899

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Early designs: 1899-1917

Lohner Porsche

* 1899: Ferdinand Porsche, then a young engineer at Jacob Lohner & Co. creates the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.

* 1900: Carmaker Pieper of Belgium introduced a vehicle with an under-seat electric motor and a gasoline engine. It used the internal combustion engine to charge its batteries at cruise speed and used both motors to accelerate or climb a hill. Auto-Mixte, also of Belgium, built vehicles from 1906 to 1912 under the Pieper patents.

* 1901: Jacob Lohner & Co. produces the first Lohner Porsche, a series of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles based on employee Ferdinand Porsche's novel drivetrain.[1] These vehicles had a driveline that was either gas or electric, but not both at the same time.

* 1907: AL (French car)
* 1917: Wood's Dual Power Car had a driveline similar to the current GMC/Chevrolet Silverado hybrid pickup truck.

1960s

* 1969 General Motors XP-883

1970s

* 1972 Towns Microdot

1980s

* 1986 The Twike HEHV designed by a group of Swiss students debuted at the World expo in Vancouver, Canada. It remains in limited production and available in the USA (source: Neiman Marcus Christmas Book 2007, page 89).

* 1986 The Goldwing engine-based Gaselle hybrid gas/electric prototype built by Sarabjit Gandhi drove 8050 km in 16 days as part of the World Energy Autocross.

* 1989 Audi 100 Duo aka or Audi 100 Avant Duo experimental vehicle, a plug-in parallel hybrid based on the Audi 100 Avant quattro. No more than 10 were produced.

1990s

* 1991 Audi 100 Duo second generation, now with four-wheel-drive.
* 1996 AC Propulsion tzero (electric vehicle + steering-integrated genset trailer; 80 mile PbA, 300 mile Li-ion(2003) EV-mode)
* 1997 Toyota Prius (Japanese market only)
* 1997 Audi A4 Duo (a concept vehicle)
* 1999 Honda Insight

2000s

2000

* 2000 Toyota Estima hybrid (Japanese market only)
* 2000 Toyota Prius US market

2002

* 2002? Mazda Demio e-4WD (Japanese market only, used for traction assistance)
* 2002 Dyna Diesel Hybrid (Japan only, Diesel Hybrid)
* 2002 Honda Civic Hybrid 2003 model

2003

* Renault Kangoo (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)
* Suzuki Twin
* Toyota Alphard Hybrid
* Toyota Prius (5 seat midsize) 2004 model year, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive 1,000,000 sold (as of May 15, 2008)

2004

* Honda Accord Hybrid 2005 model
* Ford Escape Hybrid 2005 model (released in late summer 2004)

2005

* Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid 2006 model, Mild hybrid
* Honda Civic Hybrid 2006 model, second generation
* Lexus RX 400h 2006 model year, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive
* Mercury Mariner hybrid
* Toyota Kluger/Highlander Hybrid 2006 model

2006

* Lexus GS 450h 2007 model, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive
* Saturn Vue Green Line 2007 model, Mild hybrid
* Toyota Camry Hybrid 2007 model, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive
* Toyota Estima/Previa hybrid minivan, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive (Japanese market only)

2007

* BMW 1 Series small family car, first in the world with standard mild hybrid technology, Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, electric power steering, electric water pump[3][4]
* Lexus LS600hL 2008 model Luxury car, went on sale in June
* Mazda Tribute hybrid, 2008 model, expected to go on sale July 2007
* Nissan Altima Hybrid (limited sales)
* Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid (BAS) 2008 model, Mild hybrid
* Toyota Kluger/Highlander Hybrid 2008 model, second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, will go on sale October 2007

2008

* Cadillac Escalade (AHS II) 2009 model
* Chevrolet Malibu (midsize car) Mild hybrid
* Chevrolet Tahoe (AHS II) (SUV, RWD/AWD) 2008 model
* Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid (AHS II) (fullsize pickup) 2009 model
* Dodge Durango (AHS II) (SUV) 2009 model, expected to go on sale Fall 2008
* GMC Sierra Hybrid (AHS II) (fullsize pickup) 2009 model
* GMC Yukon Hybrid (AHS II) (SUV, RWD/AWD) 2008 model
* Roewe 750 (midsize car) First Chinese hybrid car
* Saturn Vue Green Line (AHS II) (SUV, FWD) 2009 model, 45% improvement over non-hybrid version according to GM
* Saturn AURA Green Line Mild hybrid (midsize car) 2008 model
* BYD F3DM Plug-in hybrid

Unknown Date

* Toyota Sienna
* Peugeot 307 CC Hybride HDi.
* Toyota Crown (Japan only, Mild hybrid)

2009

* Aptera Motors' Aptera 2h (three-wheeled, two seat)
* BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid
* Ford Fusion Hybrid (midsize car)
* Fisker Karma
* Honda Insight 2010 model year, second-generation model, now as a 5-door hatchback
* Lexus RX450h 2010 model refresh
* Mercedes-Benz S-Class Mild hybrid
* Mercury Milan Hybrid (midsize car)
* Phoenix MotorCars: Starts selling plug-in hybrid SUV & Truck in California 2009 (also available all-electric); Assembled in the USA; no projected release date outside CA yet[citation needed]
* Porsche Cayenne
* Saturn Vue Green Line (AHS II) (SUV, FWD, 2010 model, Plug-in capable, Lithium-Ion batteries)
* Toyota FT-HS
* Toyota Prius (5 seat midsize) 2010 model year, third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive

2010

* Chevrolet Volt production version (PHEV-40)
* Nissan's original hybrid vehicle is targeted for launch in 2010.
* PSA Peugeot Citroen will market hybrid HDi vehicles from 2010.
* Audi A1
* Proton Gen-2 EVE Hybrid is targeted to be produced commercially within 2010-2011.[14] Concept model was shown at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show.
* VentureOne Three wheeled vehicl

2011

* Toyota Camry Hybrid 2012 model, third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive[15]
* Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid concept, diesel-electric engine (under development) in conjunction with new aluminum body
* Fiat Nuova 500 Hybrid

Unknown Date

* Daihatsu Hijet Cargo Hybrid a commercial microvan (659 cc) (in Japan, not yet in production)
* Ford hybrid car
* Honda CR-Z Hybrid sports car.
* Hyundai Accent Unknown date of production
* Kia Rio Originally for 2007, now delayed along with Hyundai Accent hybrid (concept model was shown at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show)
* Lexus LF-A 2009
* Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid.
* Porsche Panamera
* Saab planning hybrid based on GM system
* Toyota Corolla
* Mahindra Diesel-electric hybrid PikUp in 2010.

Ford Escape Hybrid

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The Ford Escape Hybrid, launched in 2004, is a gas-electric hybrid powered version of the Ford Escape SUV developed by the Ford Motor Company. Built in Kansas City, Missouri, it was the first hybrid SUV to hit the market. A similar vehicle, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is sold by Ford's Mercury marque. A third variation, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, arrived in the fall of 2007 as a 2008 Model Year vehicle with a limited production run for the California market.[4]

Hybrid versions can be identified by the "Hybrid" badges on the front driver's and passenger's doors as well as on the tailgate. In addition, the driver's side window in the cargo area is smaller in size in order to accommodate a ventilation slot for the high voltage battery. There was also a "Special Appearance Package" available as an option on the 2005-2007 Hybrid models. This package replaced the traditional lower cladding of the Escape with a silver finish (see picture).

The Escape hybrid is a "full" hybrid electric system, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together, for maximum performance and efficiency at all speeds and loads. When braking or decelerating, the Escape's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. With 155 hp (116 kW), the Hybrid Escape has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp (150 kW) V6 Escape.

Ford built 17,000 Escape Hybrids in the second half of 2004, four times as many as it had originally planned, and sales figures have remained steady. Starting in 2005 New York City and other cities in the world such as Mexico city began using the Ford Escape Hybrid as Taxicabs.

Development

The Escape Hybrid uses technology similar to that used in Toyota's Prius. Ford engineers realized their technology may conflict with patents held by Toyota, which led to a 2004 patent-sharing accord between the companies, licensing Ford's use of some of Toyota's hybrid technology in exchange for Toyota's use of some of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology. Both Ford and Toyota state that Ford received no technical assistance from Toyota in developing the hybrid power train, but that some hybrid engine technologies developed by Ford independently were found to be similar to technologies previously patented by Toyota. Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., a Japanese automotive components supplier belonging to the Toyota Group, supplies the hybrid continuously variable transmission for the Escape Hybrid. While Toyota produces its third-generation Prius transmission in-house, Aisin is the only supplier of hybrid transmissions to other manufacturers. Friction has arisen concerning Aisin's allocation of limited production capacity and engineering resources to Ford.

Sanyo Electric Co., which first produced hybrid car batteries in a joint venture with Honda,[11] built the 50 kg (110 lb),330V[12] 5.5 Ah (would make it 1.8kWh storage) , 250-cell nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack for the 2005 Escape Hybrid.

First Generation

Production : 2004–2007
Engine(s) : 2.3 L (140 cu in, 2261 cc) Duratec 23 I4 Atkinson cycle
Transmission(s) : Electronically controlled continuously variable
Wheelbase : 103.2 in (2621 mm
Length : 174.9 in (4442 mm)
Width : 70.1 in (1781 mm)
Height : 69.9 in (1775 mm) (w/roof rack)
Fuel capacity : 15.0 U.S. gal (57 L; 12.5 imp gal)

Second Generation

Production : 2008–present
Engine(s) : 2008: 2.3 L (140 cu in, 2261 cc)[2]
2009: 2.5 L (152 cu. in, 2488 cc) I4 DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle[3]
Transmission(s) : Continuously variable transmission
Wheelbase : 103.1 in (2619 mm)[3]
Length : 174.7 in (4437 mm)[3]
Width : 71.1 in (1806 mm)[3]
Height : 67.7 in (1720 mm)[3]
Fuel capacity : 15.0 U.S. gal (57 L; 12.5 imp gal)

Performance

The Escape Hybrid's 133 horsepower (99 kW) gasoline I4 engine and 94 hp (70 kW) electric motor combine to give performance similar to the 200 hp (150 kW) V6 engine commonly used in the regular Escape. The hybrid is said to give approximately 75% greater efficiency, with about 33 to 36 mpg-U.S. (6.5-7.1 L/100 km; 40-43 mpg-imp) in city traffic, (and has demonstrated it can travel 400–500 miles (644-805 km) on a single 16.5-U.S.-gallon (62 L; 13.7 imp gal) tank of gasoline in city driving), and 29 to 31 mpg-U.S. (7.6L-8.1 L/100 km; 35-37 mpg-imp) on the highway. Unlike conventional vehicles, hybrids often achieve better figures in the city because they do not waste power idling and can recover some power when stopping (by using regenerative braking) that would be wasted on a conventional vehicle.

The Escape Hybrid can accelerate up to approximately 30 miles per hour (63 km/h) on electric,[citation needed] with a gentle acceleration. A maximum distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) - 1.8 miles (2.9 km) can be performed on electric before the batteries will discharge and the gasoline will restart.[citation needed] When coasting, if the brake is gently tapped when passing below 30 mph (48 km/h), the gasoline engine will cut off, and the coast will continue with no gasoline being consumed.[citation needed] Electric mode does not perform as well when below 50 °F (10 °C), and performance degrades further as outside temperature drops further.[citation needed]

The Escape Hybrid gives a top speed of 102 mph (163 km/h).

Environmental Impact

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Fuel consumption

Current HEVs reduce petroleum consumption under certain circumstances, compared to otherwise similar conventional vehicles, primarily by using three mechanisms:

1. Reducing wasted energy during idle/low output, generally by turning the ICE off
2. Recapturing waste energy (i.e. regenerative braking)
3. Reducing the size and power of the ICE, and hence inefficiencies from under-utilization, by using the added power from the electric motor to compensate for the loss in peak power output from the smaller ICE.

Any combination of these three primary hybrid advantages may be used in different vehicles to realize different fuel usage, power, emissions, weight and cost profiles. The ICE in an HEV can be smaller, lighter, and more efficient than the one in a conventional vehicle, because the combustion engine can be sized for slightly above average power demand rather than peak power demand. The drive system in a vehicle is required to operate over a range of speed and power, but an ICE's highest efficiency is in a narrow range of operation, making conventional vehicles inefficient. On the contrary, in most HEV designs, the ICE operates closer to its range of highest efficiency more frequently. The power curve of electric motors is better suited to variable speeds and can provide substantially greater torque at low speeds compared with internal-combustion engines. The greater fuel economy of HEVs has implication for reduced petroleum consumption and vehicle air pollution emissions worldwide.

Noise

Reduced noise emissions resulting from substantial use of the electric motor at idling and low speeds, leading to roadway noise reduction,[33] in comparison to conventional gasoline or diesel powered engine vehicles, resulting in beneficial noise health effects (although road noise from tires and wind, the loudest noises at highway speeds from the interior of most vehicles, are not affected by the hybrid design alone).

Reduced noise may not be considered an advantage by some; for example, some people who are blind or visually-impaired consider the noise of combustion engines a helpful aid while crossing streets and feel quiet hybrids could pose an unexpected hazard.

Pollution

Reduced air pollution emissions, due to lower fuel consumption, lead improved human health with regard to respiratory problems and other illnesses. Pollution reduction in urban environments may be particularly significant due to elimination of idle-at-rest.

Battery toxicity is a concern, although today's hybrids use NiMH batteries, not the environmentally problematic rechargeable nickel cadmium. "Nickel metal hydride batteries are benign. They can be fully recycled," says Ron Cogan, editor of the Green Car Journal.[citation needed] Toyota and Honda say that they will recycle dead batteries and that disposal will pose no toxic hazards. Toyota puts a phone number on each battery, and they pay a $200 "bounty" for each battery to help ensure that it will be properly recycled.

Toyota Hybrid Car

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Prius 09 is the latest Toyota Hybrid car. It comes 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid and 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid car respectively as Prius and Prius Touring.This Hybrid system generate 110 hp (82 kW) Net power from it.Power out put is 28 hp (21 KW).

Design Considerations

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In some cases, manufacturers are producing HEVs that use the added energy provided by the hybrid systems to give vehicles a power boost, rather than significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to their traditional counterparts. The trade-off between added performance and improved fuel efficiency is partly controlled by the software within the hybrid system and partly the result of the engine, battery and motor size. In the future, manufacturers may provide HEV owners with the ability to partially control this balance (fuel efficiency vs. added performance) as they wish, through a user-controlled setting. Toyota announced in January, 2006 that it was considering a "high-efficiency" button.

Conversion Kits
One can buy a stock hybrid or convert a stock petroleum car to a hybrid electric vehicle using an aftermarket hybrid kits.

Design Considerations

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In some cases, manufacturers are producing HEVs that use the added energy provided by the hybrid systems to give vehicles a power boost, rather than significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to their traditional counterparts. The trade-off between added performance and improved fuel efficiency is partly controlled by the software within the hybrid system and partly the result of the engine, battery and motor size. In the future, manufacturers may provide HEV owners with the ability to partially control this balance (fuel efficiency vs. added performance) as they wish, through a user-controlled setting. Toyota announced in January, 2006 that it was considering a "high-efficiency" button.

Conversion Kits

One can buy a stock hybrid or convert a stock petroleum car to a hybrid electric vehicle using an aftermarket hybrid kit .

Engines and Fuel Sources

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Gasoline
Gasoline engines are used in most hybrid electric designs, and will likely remain dominant for the foreseeable future. While petroleum-derived gasoline is the primary fuel, it is possible to mix in varying levels of ethanol created from renewable energy sources. Like most modern ICE-powered vehicles, HEVs can typically use up to about 15% bioethanol. Manufacturers may move to flexible fuel engines, which would increase allowable ratios, but no plans are in place at present.

Diesel
Diesel-electric HEVs use a diesel engine for power generation. Diesels have advantages when delivering constant power for long periods of time, suffering less wear while operating at higher efficiency. The diesel engine's high torque, combined with hybrid technology, may offer substantially improved mileage. Most diesel vehicles can use 100% pure biofuels (biodiesel), so they can use but do not need petroleum at all for fuel (although mixes of biofuel and petroleum are more common, and petroleum may be needed for lubrication). If diesel-electric HEVs were in use, this benefit would likely also apply. Diesel-electric hybrid drivetrains have begun to appear in commercial vehicles (particularly buses); as of 2007, no light duty diesel-electric hybrid passenger cars are currently available, although prototypes exist. Peugeot is expected to produce a diesel-electric hybrid version of its 308 in late 2008 for the European market.

PSA Peugeot Citroën has unveiled two demonstrator vehicles featuring a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain: the Peugeot 307, Citroën C4 Hybride HDi and Citroën C-Cactus.[23] Volkswagen made a prototype diesel-electric hybrid car that achieved 2 L/100 km (140 mpg-imp/120 mpg-US) fuel economy, but has yet to sell a hybrid vehicle. General Motors has been testing the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid. There have been no concrete dates suggested for these vehicles, but press statements have suggested production vehicles would not appear before 2009.

Robert Bosch GmbH is supplying hybrid diesel-electric technology to diverse automakers and models, including the Peugeot 308.

So far, production diesel-electric engines have mostly just appeared in mass transit buses.

FedEx, along with Eaton Corp. in the USA and Iveco in Europe, has begun deploying a small fleet of Hybrid diesel electric delivery trucks.[25] As of October 2007 Fedex now operates more than 100 diesel electric hybrids in North America, Asia and Europe.

Technology

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The varieties of hybrid electric designs can be differentiated by the structure of the hybrid vehicle drivetrain, the fuel type, and the mode of operation.

In 2007, several automobile manufacturers announced that future vehicles will use aspects of hybrid electric technology to reduce fuel consumption without the use of the hybrid drivetrain. Regenerative braking can be used to recapture energy and stored to power electrical accessories, such as air conditioning. Shutting down the engine at idle can also be used to reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions without the addition of a hybrid drivetrain. In both cases, some of the advantages of hybrid electric technology are gained while additional cost and weight may be limited to the addition of larger batteries and starter motors. There is no standard terminology for such vehicles, although they may be termed mild hybrids.

The 2000s saw development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which can be recharged from the electrical power grid and do not require conventional fuel for short trips. The Renault Kangoo was the first production model of this design, released in France in 2003.

What's the Hybrid Electric Vehicle

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A hybrid electric vehicle is a vehicle which combines a conventional propulsion system with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle without being hampered by range from a charging unit like a battery electric vehicle (BEV), which uses batteries charged by an external source. The different propulsion power systems may have common subsystems or components.

Regular HEVs most commonly use an internal combustion engine (ICE) in tandem with electric motors to power their propulsion system. Modern mass-produced HEVs prolong the charge on their batteries by capturing kinetic energy via regenerative braking, and some HEVs can use the combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator (often a motor-generator) to either recharge the battery or directly feed power to an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed. An HEV's engine is smaller and may be run at various speeds, providing more efficiency.

Vehicle Type

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Two-wheeled and cycle-type vehicles

Mopeds and electric bicycles are a simple form of a hybrid, as power is delivered both via an internal combustion engine or electric motor and the rider's muscles. Early prototypes of motorcycles in the late 1800s used the same principles.

* In a parallel hybrid bicycle human and motor power are mechanically coupled at the pedal drive train or at the rear or the front wheel, e.g. using a hub motor, a roller pressing onto a tire, or a connection to a wheel using a transmission element. Human and motor torques are added together. Almost all manufactured models are of this type. See Motorized bicycles, Mopeds and[2] for more information.

* In a series hybrid bicycle (SH) the user powers a generator using the pedals. This is converted into electricity and can be fed directly to the motor giving a chainless bicycle but also to charge a battery. The motor draws power from the battery and must be able to deliver the full mechanical torque required because none is available from the pedals. SH bicycles are commercially available, because they are very simple in theory and manufacturing.

The first known prototype and publication of an SH bicycle is by Augustus Kinzel (US Patent 3'884'317) in 1975. In 1994 Bernie Macdonalds conceived the Electrilite SH lightweight vehicle which used power electronics allowing regenerative braking and pedaling while stationary. In 1995 Thomas Müller designed a "Fahrrad mit elektromagnetischem Antrieb" in his 1995 diploma thesis and built a functional vehicle. In 1996 Jürg Blatter and Andreas Fuchs of Berne University of Applied Sciences built an SH bicycle and in 1998 mounted the system onto a Leitra tricycle (European patent EP 1165188). In 1999 Harald Kutzke described his concept of the "active bicycle": the aim is to approach the ideal bicycle weighing nothing and having no drag by electronic compensation. Until 2005 Fuchs and colleagues built several prototype SH tricycles and quadricycles.

Heavy vehicles

Hybrid power trains are used for diesel-electric or turbo-electric railway locomotives, buses, heavy goods vehicles, mobile hydraulic machinery, and ships. Typically some form of heat engine (usually diesel) drives an electric generator or hydraulic pump which powers one or more electric or hydraulic motors. There are advantages in distributing power through wires or pipes rather than mechanical elements especially when multiple drives — e.g. driven wheels or propellers — are required. There is power lost in the double conversion from typically diesel fuel to electricity to power an electric or hydraulic motor. With large vehicles the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages especially as the conversion losses typically decrease with size. With the exception of non nuclear submarines, presently there is no or relatively little energy storage capacity on most heavy vehicles, e.g. auxiliary batteries and hydraulic accumulators—this is changing.

Rail transport

Example of a typical "hybrid" is the new Canadian, Bombardier-built railroad engine called the AGC (Autorail à grande capacité, high-capacity railcar) which has dual mode (diesel and electric motors) and dual voltage capabilities (1500 and 25000 V) allowing it to be used on many different rail systems.The first operational prototype of a hybrid train engine with significant energy storage and energy regeneration capability has been introduced in Japan as the Kiha E200. It utilizes battery packs of lithium ion batteries mounted on the roof to store recovered energy.In the U.S., General Electric introduced a prototype railroad engine with their "Ecomagination" technology in 2007. They store energy in a large set of sodium nickel chloride (Na-NiCl2) batteries to capture and store energy normally dissipated during dynamic braking or coasting downhill. They expect at least a 10% reduction in fuel use with this system and are now spending about $2 billion/yr on hybrid research.[5] Variants of typical diesel-electrical locomotives are like the Green Goat (GG) and Green Kid (GK) switching/yard engines built by Canada's Railpower Technologies. They utilize a large set of heavy duty long life (~10 yr) rechargeable lead acid (Pba) batteries and 1000 to 2000 HP electric motors as the primary motive sources and a new clean burning diesel generator (~160 Hp) for recharging the batteries that is used only as needed. No power or fuel are wasted for idling—typically 60–85% of the time for these type locomotives. Its unclear if dynamic braking (regenerative) power is recaptured for reuse; but in principle should be easily utilized. Since these engines typical need extra weight for traction purposes anyway the battery pack's weight is a negligible penalty. In addition the diesel generator and battery package are normally built on an existing "retired" "yard" locomotive's frame for significant additional cost savings. The existing motors and running gear are all rebuilt and reused. Diesel fuel savings of 40–60% and up to 80% pollution reductions are claimed over that of a "typical" older switching/yard engine. The same advantages that existing hybrid cars have for use with frequent starts and stops and idle periods apply to typical switching yard use."Green Goats" locomotives have been purchased by Canadian Pacific Railway, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway and Union Pacific Railroad among others.

Railpower Technologies Corp. engineers working with TSI Terminal Systems Inc. in Vancouver, British Columbia are testing a hybrid diesel electric power unit with battery storage for use in Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes. RTG cranes are typically used for loading and unloading shipping containers onto trains or trucks in ports and container storage yards. The energy used to lift the containers can be partially regained when they are lowered. Diesel fuel and emission reductions of 50–70% are predicted by Railpower engineers.First systems are expected to be operational in 2007.

Road Transport, Commercial Vehicles

Early hybrid systems are being investigated for trucks and other heavy highway vehicles with some operational trucks and buses starting to come into use. The main obstacles seem to be smaller fleet sizes and the extra costs of a hybrid system are yet compensated for by fuel savings, but with the price of oil set to continue on its upward trend, the tipping point may be reached by the end of 1995. Advances in technology and lowered battery cost and higher capacity etc. developed in the hybrid car industry are already filtering into truck use as Toyota, Ford, GM and others introduce hybrid pickups and SUVs. Kenworth Truck Company recently introduced a hybrid-electric truck, called the Kenworth T270 Class 6 that for city usage seems to be competitive.FedEx and others are starting to invest in hybrid delivery type vehicles—particularly for city use where hybrid technology may pay off first.Since 2002, the U.S. military has been testing serial hybrid Humvees and have found them to deliver faster acceleration, a stealth mode with low thermal signature/ near silent operation, and greater fuel economy.

"GM has launched hybrid versions of its full-size GMC Yukon (pictured) and Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs for 2008"

Ships

Ships with both mast-mounted sails and engines were an early form of hybrid vehicles. Newer hybrid ship-propulsion schemes include large towing kites manufactured by companies such as SkySails. Towing kites can fly at heights several times higher than the tallest ship masts, capturing stronger and steadier winds.

Aircraft

Delta Air Lines is going to be turning their Boeing 737NGs into hybrids in early 2010 by mounting the WheelTug ground propulsion system on their fleet of Boeing 737NGs.By using the APU, which is powered by a turbine, to power a Chorus Motor mounted on the landing gear for ground movement, Delta Air Lines will be creating a hybrid configuration by ceasing to use the main engines for anything but flight and take-off.

History of plug-in Hybrids

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In 1901, while employed at Lohner Coach Factory, Ferdinand Porsche designed the "Mixte", a series-hybrid vehicle based on his earlier "System Lohner-Porsche" electric carriage. The Mixte broke several Austrian speed records, and also won the Exelberg Rally in 1901 with Porsche himself driving. The Mixte used a gasoline engine powering a generator, which in turn powered electric hub motors, with a small battery pack for reliability. It had a range of 50 km, a top speed of 50 km/h and a power of 5.22 kW during 20 minutes.

The 1915 Dual Power, made by the Woods Motor Vehicle electric car maker, had a four-cylinder ICE and an electric motor. Below 15 mph (25 km/h) the electric motor alone drove the vehicle, drawing power from a battery pack, and above this speed the "main" engine cut in to take the car up to its 35 mph (55 km/h) top speed. About 600 were made up to 1918.

In 1931 Erich Gaichen invented and drove from Altenburg to Berlin a 1/2 horse power electric car containing features later incorporated into hybrid cars. Its maximum speed was 25 miles per hour, but it was licensed by the Motor Transport Office, taxed by the German Revenue Department and patented by the German Reichs-Patent Amt. The car battery was re-charged by the motor when the car went downhill. Additional power to charge the battery was provided by a cylinder of compressed air which was re-charged by small air pumps activated by vibrations of the chassis and the brakes and by igniting oxyhydrogen gas. An account of the car and his characterization as a"crank inventor" can be found in Arthur Koestler's autobiography, Arrow in the Blue, pages 269-271, which summarize a contemporaneous newspaper account written by Koestler. No production beyond the prototype was reported.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle

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"The Prius is one of Toyota's top sellers in the United States. There are over 1 million worldwide"

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a hybrid vehicle which combines a conventional propulsion system with a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle. It includes a propulsion system additional to the electric motors, to be not hampered by range from a charging unit like a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Modern mass-produced HEVs prolong the charge on their batteries by capturing kinetic energy via regenerative braking, and some HEVs can use the internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator (often a motor-generator) to either recharge the battery or directly feed power to an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed (start-stop system). An HEV's engine is smaller than a non-hybrid petroleum fuel vehicle and may be run at various speeds, providing more efficiency.

HEVs became widely available to the public in the late 1990s with the introduction of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. HEVs are viewed by some automakers as a core segment of the future automotive market.Futurist magazine recently included hybrid electric vehicles as cars of the near future.