OT: eCVT video Options

[flipb]

Not remotely suggesting this is applicable to the sports car / 914 driving experience. But the notion of solving infinite gear ratios (CVT) with a planetary gearset is interesting from an engineering perspective!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxmxIsoV_Xo

[Ninja]

Thanks for sharing!

I learned "planetary gear sets" on Sturmey-Archer 3 speed bicycle hubs at 12 years old.

I was into bicycles BIGTIME before I got my DL and first 914...

Helped me out when I got to automatic transmissions in vehicles.

Instant understanding!

Of note: The early Ford Escape Hybrid referenced in the video is "maybe" the very worst hybrid ever produced.

After fixing four AC systems in them and then seeing what else those vehicles do to their owners, I banned them from my shop.

I believe in electric cars, ICE cars, and electric torque assist (modern supercars).

I believe true hybrids should be avoided. A true Hybrid combines both ICE power and electric power in the propulsion of an axle.

The hands down WINNER of the "Hybrid" car world is the Toyota Prius (2nd gen and up).
I don't like driving them and they are a bitch to work on. A good friend bought one new for his wife, and I immediately named it "the anti-car".
A car for people who don't want to drive...

At 195K (51mpg) Jennifer said, "seat are killing me, I hate this car, find something wrong with it, I want OUT".
I couldn't.

Only car I've scrutinized at 200K with zero issues.
EVER...

But 2nd gen and up Priuses are actually NOT hybrids!

The ICE engine runs a generator. The propulsive force is electric only.
Like a diesel locomotive!

So, the world's best "Hybrid" is not actually a hybrid in my book.

[flipb]

But 2nd gen and up Priuses are actually NOT hybrids!

The ICE engine runs a generator. The propulsive force is electric only.
Like a diesel locomotive!

So, the world's best "Hybrid" is not actually a hybrid in my book.

What you're describing is a Series Hybrid or Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). The Chevy Volt was the first to go to market with this type of powertrain. I test drove one back in the day but it was too small for my family at the time. Later, the BMW i3 was sold as an EV with an optional internal combustion range extender.

I thought Priuses (Prii?) were still parallel hybrids where it can use the ICE to power the wheels but can also decouple and run in pure EV mode. My Mom's had two and I agree that they are the least fun thing to drive, although I think the newest model has more aggressive throttle programming.

EDIT: An early entry in the history of Series Hybrids is the Lohner-Porsche Mixte!