I have a idea that I think will be very cool and very GREEN. I want to try to put a hybrid engine (like the toyota prius) into a old VW bus and convert it from diesel fuel to veggie oil. The idea is genius to me but I was wondering if any of you mechanics out there know if it is at all possible. Anyother info would also be very helpful.
Unless you plan on using a different internal combustion engine, the Prius and all other Hybrid vehicles use gasoline engines rather than diesels. That may change in the future, but in the meantime, it would be a lot of work.
Ironically, old VW busses were not very green at all. One of the main reasons the air cooled "flat-4" went away was its inability to keep up with emissions standards.
You might have a good idea, and VW should think about bringing back the old VW bus with a good hybrid system. Probably would sell really well!
I would probably first look at using a Scion xB shell and transplanting the hybrid-electric power system to that vehicle. Both are front-wheel drive and both use the same 1500 cc, liquid cooled ICE. The weight is closer to that of a Prius and aerodynamicly, it would be 'less bad.' Furthermore, you'd have the forward crush space missing in the old VW MicroBus.
In contrast, the VW MicroBus has un-powered front-wheel steering where as the Prius has powered, front-wheel drive. Although one might "lock" the Prius drive steering, there are serious mounting issues to address. For example, the bottom pan of the engine compartment.
I'd like to take jvanleir's idea in a different direction.
Somewhere in my attic, I have plans that I purchased from Mother Earth News about 30 years ago to make a hybrid car or van.
If I recall correctly, one of the vehicles discussed is a Volkswagon Van. Of course, the electronics were crude, but the idea was to have a small, 10 hp engine drive a generator that recharged the 4 batteries that provided the juice for the electric motor that pushed the vehicle down the road.
So, what are your opinions about updating those old plans with current day technology, but have a single cylinder diesel engine be the powerplant and have that engine run on biodiesel?
. . .
Somewhere in my attic, I have plans that I purchased from Mother Earth News about 30 years ago to make a hybrid car or van.
If I recall correctly, one of the vehicles discussed is a Volkswagon Van. Of course, the electronics were crude, but the idea was to have a small, 10 hp engine drive a generator that recharged the 4 batteries that provided the juice for the electric motor that pushed the vehicle down the road.
So, what are your opinions about updating those old plans with current day technology, but have a single cylinder diesel engine be the powerplant and have that engine run on biodiesel? . . .
The architecture is OK but technology has moved forward so far, you probably can't even find the parts listed 30 years ago.
I would suggest that 10 hp is OK for a motorscoter or low-end, moped sized vehicle. But for a serious vehicle, I think you need to be at least 40-60 hp depending upon transmission and driving profile.
As for the single cylinder diesel, I would recommend looking at all engine cycles. There are engines that have very high specific fuel consumption yet substantially improved characteristics. A Sterling engine comes to mind.
I would think that converting a 1990s-era Ford Ranger or Chevy S10 would have some promise for the following reasons:
-- The battery packs could be kept in one of those watertight truck bed mounted plastic tool boxes.
-- The generator could be bolted into the truck bed, thus making it easily accessible for maintenance.
-- You'd still have room leftover for hauling stuff.
You've brought up something that has merit. Start with a light truck frame so you have full access to the drivetrain and load bearing structure. First get the motive systems working and then build or add the shell using foam and fiberglass contstruction.
Hybrid and Veggie engine combination?
Re: Hybrid and Veggie engine combination?
