Protean Continues Campaign for In-Wheel Electric Motors
Why is it that some of the best ideas for automotive efficiency never reach the market? For example, the concept of putting electric motors directly into wheels has been proposed many times over the years—but has not yet seen the light of day. The latest company to give it a go is Protean Electric. The company is showing off its technology in the form of a Vauxhall Vivaro hybrid truck this week at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminar in Traverse City, Mich.
Protean claims that the in-wheel motor approach could improve the efficiency of a hybrid by 300 percent, and allow for relatively easy conversion of gas-powered cars into hybrids. Each motor weighs about 70 pounds and offers 110 horsepower. The motors could provide the capacity to drive purely on electricity, as well as assist the gas engine or remain dormant.
The company claims the product will be ready for mass production as soon as 2012. But take a look at the long list of other concepts using in-wheel motors that are still sitting on the shelves of R& D departments.
Michelin Active WheelThe Michelin tire company has been showing off versions of the “Active Wheel” since 2004. The system contains virtually all of the components necessary for a vehicle to propel or stop: an electric motor, suspension coils and springs, and braking components. The only thing missing is the source of energy.
Fed by lithium ion batteries or fuel cells, the Active Wheel’s electric motor will output 30 kilowatts of power—per wheel that is. Vehicles using this system can be configured with two Active Wheels up front, or one at each corner.This allows manufacturers to offer two configurations with two and four wheel drive. Michelin presented two vehicles, and the Venturi Volage Hueliz Will, using the Active Wheel Motor Show 2008 in Paris.
Venturi VolageThe Michelin Guide-Orange Heuliez concept also uses the Michelin Active Wheel. This is a front-wheel drive all-electric vehicle that seats five trunks, and features front and rear. Drivers will be able to choose from four different packages wheel with driving ranges of 100 to 250 miles. The will was scheduled for production in France in 2010, but is now in the category to be determined.
Lohner-Porsche ElektromobilThe Paris Exposition of 1900 featured the Lohner-Porsche Elektromobil, which would later become one of the first hybrid cars. It was designed two years earlier by a 23-year-old engineer, unknown at the time, named Ferdinand Porsche. Exposition records show that Porsche’s vehicle could travel 38 miles solely on electricity. Porsche integrated battery-powered electric motors directly into the front wheel hubs, producing one of the first front-wheel drive cars. He later added an internal combustion gasoline engine to drive a generator, which charged the batteries.
Power Wheels Gas Engine Conversion - News
He later added an internal combustion gasoline engine to drive a generator, which charged the batteries. In its early incarnation, the Mitsubishi MiEV (not simply called the "i") was all about the electric wheels. In fact, the acronym MIEV stands for
While a two-stroke engine doesn't create any back-torque through engine compression, it does have a multi-speed tranny that causes drag, as well as far more moving internal engine parts that add up to give it more drag. The Brammo Empulse free-wheels
Two internal combustion engines, one per fuselage, provide power to the rear wheels and to propellers located on the horizontal stabilizer. Lithium batteries in the nose provide additional energy for take-off and in the case of an engine emergency.
The 20-inch, Vulcan alloys wheels bring the satin dark grey menace and while you'll be wanted big brakes on this beast; the Jaguar High Performance Braking System with massive red calipers should serve as a warning to biting performance.
You can think of it like a hybrid car, only instead of supplemented by a gas engine, it's supplemented by the rider's pedaling. While riding uphill, I pedaled steadily, and the motor supplemented my efforts. The amount of “help” was configurable by
Electric Vehicle Conversion – DIY Electric Car Conversion From ...
Since the engine is gone, other supporting components such as radiator, fuel lines, exhaust pipes and gas tank have no purpose anymore hence can be removed as well. To power the electric motor, a DIY electric car would need 15 – 20 units of deep cycle batteries. Deep cycle batteries are usually used on marine boats and they are perfect for EV. An electric vehicle conversion project is simple for those who understand the technical aspects of an automobile. If you have never done any car repairs or maintenance before, then a DIY electric car conversion project many not be a good idea for you. Your best option is to outsource the entire retrofitting work to a professional mechanic. Doing so will save you a lot of time and headache.
Power Wheels Gas Engine Conversion - Bookshelf
American gas journal
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GM: Yes, the Volt's gas engine can power the wheels ...
GM: Yes, the Volt's gas engine can power the wheels. by Sebastian Blanco (RSS feed) on Oct ... GM says the engine never drives the wheels all by itself, but will ...
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I have a 1979 Cub Cadet 682 garden tractor with a 17 hp gas engine which provides power to a hydrostatic drive and electric clutch power takeoff for
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engine power is a master stroke of genius, its conversion for road use is an equally tough challenge. ... the power is distributed to the rear wheels via a bevel gear and a ...
Advanced Engine Technology
Brown's Gas Engine <<< UCSA Co-Op Brown Gas Engine Running ... The hydraulic fluid can be controlled and sent to the wheels you wish to have power. ...