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That's interesting. So the motor runs on fifty volts, 400 amps. The generator puts out 100 amps, is this also at fifty volts? Must be, otherwise if the generator is putting out twelve volts it's being split between four batteries through isolators, at 25 amps each. Doesn't sound like a lot of power, looking at it that way.
Apparently the car gets around fairly well with the motor running at 25% of its rated capability, tapping into stored battery power when exceeding this 25%, the output of the generator.
The described lawnmower engine could probably be upgraded to something a little more efficient, perhaps diesel, and water cooled would be a bonus here, too!
Best of all is the use of the motor to help charge the batteries when the car is in a decelleration mode. That seems to be the benefit of using a DC system.
There weren't any horsepower specs given for this motor.
The article points out that efficiency is contingent on the weight of the vehicle, duh, it would be neat to see how light (yet safe and reasonably comfortable) a car with this powertrain could possibly get.
I'm seeing more little hybrids on the street around here even. I'm all for it, I'm ready to give it a try, too! You watch, in five years there will be zillions of 'em, and the technology will be amazing.
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No Opels were harmed in the filming of this movie.
However two Mustangs, a Pinto, and a Capri were hospitalized.
One Mustang was euthanized the next morning.
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