EVcast.com is the home of the EVcast. The EVcast is a podcast dedicated to bringing consumers the latest information on electric vehicles in a non-technical, non-political, and entertaining way. Don't forget, you can also subscribe to this podcast via iTunes or your favorite podcatcher.
NEW! Stream the latest episode of the EVcast from your website by including this one simple line of javascript:
<script src="http://www.igroops.com/evcast.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Watch this Blog Notify me by e-mail any time a new post is made to this blog.
The EVcast is a podcast dedicated to bringing consumers the latest information on electric vehicles in a non-technical, non-political, and entertaining way.
Become Our Platinum SponsorProduct ID: 00000003Currently In Stock: 0
For the main sponsor, you get the big prize! A 622px wide x 100px tall banner that will appear on just about every page within EVcast.com, including blog posts. On the homepage, in place of the banner you will have a custom ... More »
Price: $2500.00
February 2009 Posts
Archives
In the 1830's an Scottish inventor named Robert Anderson invented the first crude electric carriage. Since that time, history is loaded with EV related innovations that will take us to the future of transportation. Join Bo, Ryan, and Kim as they discuss some of the greatest EV innovations of all time.
Don't just listen to the EVcast -- experience and be a part of it! Join us at 1:00pm Eastern, M-F, in our live video broadcast and chat along with us!
The one of the first hybrid was the 1916 Owen Magnetic.
quote comment add new comment
It was and is all about the BATTERY ! lithium is the best material we could ever dream of, it powerful, non toxic, long lasting and light weight. When made properly it is very safe.
Also the Woods Motor Vehicle company had a hybrid out in 1916
Woods Motor Vehicle Company was a manufacturer of electric automobiles in Chicago, Illinois between 1899[1] and 1916. In 1915 they produced the Dual Power with both electric and internal combustion engines and this continued until 1918.
The 1904 Woods Stanhope was a stanhope model. It could seat 2 passengers and sold for US$1800. Twin electric motors, situated at the rear of the car, produced 2.5 hp (1.9 kW) each. The car weighed 2650 lb (1202 kg) with a 40 cell battery.
The 1904 Woods Victoria was a carriage-styled model. It could seat 2 passengers and sold for US$1900. The same twin electric motors as the Stanhope were used, though a 4-speed transmission was fitted. The car weighed 2700 lb (1225 kg). 40 batteries were also used, with an 18 mph (29 km.h) top speed.
The Dual Power of 1915 had a 4 cylinder internal combustion engine as well as electric power. Below 15 mph (25 km/h) the car was electric powered and above it the conventional engine took over to take the vehicle to a maximum of around 35 mph (55km/h).
Renault and Purchased by Eugene, Oregon's local electric utility 42 were made.
Document Number: 680429
Date Published: February 1968
Author(s): Robert R. Aronson - Electric Fuel Propulsion Inc.
Abstract: The Mars II electric car has a maximum speed of 60 mph, a driving range of 70-120 miles on a charge, and can be recharged to 80% of capacity in 46 min. The tripolar, lead-cobalt battery and the regenerative braking system are described in detail. The average city or suburban resident could utilize such a vehicle for most of his driving requirements up to 70 miles a day, or under certain conditions, up to 230 miles a day.
GM's Hywire technology.
Swappable body's
1. Most interesting Battery chemistries are the nickel-Zinc and Silver-Zinc they are going to give Lithium a run for their money
2. Even though EEstor keeps disappointing Lithium-ultra capacitors are now claiming the same energy density of lead acid batteries which is a huge step up.
3. Improvements in the Lead acid batteries- Firefly technology which replaces the lead with lead foam and graphite, claims are
- silicone battery replacing the acid electrolyte of a lead acid battery with a silicate salt electrolyte, claims are Enhanced capacity, extended lifespan, high current discharge superiority, rapid recharge time, and superior low temperature performances.
Standard line voltage in the United States is generally 120 Vac. Because utility voltage is not completely stable, it fluctuates between 115 Vac - 124 Vac. Outlet voltage will change at various times, throughout seasons or at night. Almost any appliance will have a list or label. Voltage listed on said label is the "minumum" recommended operating voltage for that device to give "maximum" life. I saw 125 Vac on my hair dryer. It is recommended that you stay within plus or minus 10 volts. As a side note, its important to be careful when plugging something in that exceeds 100 ' in length. Voltage drop starts coming into play, like if you use an electric mower. If for instance a 100 foot extension cord is plugged into your wall socket, that is actually 200 feet of wire, upstream and back. Just something to soak in. Love Evcast. Keep it up!
Good history lesson, William- enjoyed it!
It will be interesting to see how the battery chemistries make improvements, including the innovations in the older lead-acid technology (Firely, Axion and CSIRO), the Li-Ion contenders, and the more, unknown contenders, including the silver-zinc batteries. One of the companies that is developing this, Zpower, has claimed some big improvements in this type of battery. They are at: http://www.zpowerbattery.com/
I know some don't always like it, but Wikipedia also has a good summary of the Silver Zinc chemistry here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver-oxide_battery
Regarding the origin of the series-hybrid:
The concept of a series hybrid has been used in trains for a long time. A diesel-electric locomotive uses a diesel engine to run an electricity generator and the electricity from the generator powers a big electric engine that drives the train. The reason trains were designed this way is because electric motors have huge torque at 0 RPM. Thus, those big electric engines are good for getting a big long train moving.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel-electric
Superb Show! Lots of interesting facts.
