Excellent

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/27/plug-in-push/

I would rather Sue Sischke (VP of Ford Safety and Envrionmental Programs) had said something like:

*We're working on it, but there are a lot of problems yet to be solved.*

As it stands, it looks like Ford is copping out. Honda and Toyota apparently weren't even asked. It would be interesting to find out what they have to say about this.

'06 FEH 2WD "Sainte Marie"

I think rather than a single battery, perhaps some sort of duel system would be better. While weight would undoubtedly be an issue, to have a battery drive off the plug in, then a "regular" hybrid drive and battery once the plug in has been drained would be pretty cool, IMHO.

First 4WD Hypermiler

Have you read the FEH FAQ?

Live in Michigan? Let it be known in Michigan Roll Call

Read My Automotive Blog at Rich Rambles

Actually this makes sense for these reasons:

1) removable batteries allows use of higher energy, non-rechargable chemistries - this would support 'drop off / exchange' of a battery. I'm thinking about the air-metal chemistries. Batch recharging air-metal, reducing them back to metal, can be handled efficiently outside of the vehicle. BTW, a discharged, air-metal battery weights more than a fresh one.

2) use of low-recharge rate batteries - high energy, litium cells remain relatively sensitive to charge and discharge rates. However, they could dump their energy into the NiMH battery which has excellent charge/discharge characteristics to handle driving loads.

3) deep discharge cycle refurbishment - a commuter battery is going to see deep discharge cycles. This risks the current battery technologies but they could be designed for automated, refurbishment. This will require removal from the vehicle.

Then if the NiMH battery can be augmented with ultra-capacitors, a non-trivial problem, we'd be pretty close to 'there'. The problem with ultra-capacitor energy storage is the requirement for deep discharge to recover the energy. Batteries deliver their energy via a nice voltage plateau.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

One of the things IMHO that causes much hybrid hate is that hybrid drivetrains are related to EV drivetrains. Car enthusiasts seem to despise the EV so this anger is easily transferred to hybrids. Imagine how apoplectic they'll get when you'll be able to plug in your hybrid?

Batteries are "almost there". Stuff from Valence Technologies and A123 are by far better than anything else out there. At this point it's only a matter of time (and not much time, thankfully).

When it comes to emotions, less is best . . . in engineering.

One other thing is removable 'plug-in' batteries also makes sense when going on a trip. At highway speeds, the 'plug-in' batteries will add weight and not enhance performance. Taking them out adds luggage room.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

I think they should make the ability to plug in, an option so that those who want it can get it and those who dont wont have it...

04' # 5, W/leather & JBL omitted.
"Prius, Just ask the person that drives one"
04' Tundra, 18mpg city & 22mpg hwy.
04' Prius, 60mpg city & 53mpg hwy.

Kenstyle NHW20 AERO Kit

The idea of using a removable plug-in battery around town, then removing them for a long trip makes perfect sense. It is makes sense for urban commutes, but an unnecessary load for a longer drive. Also, some people would be driving in such a way the plug-in options would not benefit them that much.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

I saw this at a recent car show: http://www.hymotion.com/products.htm. From my understanding, it is a supplement to the original battery so it does exactly what is being discussed here. I see a couple of issues:

1: If it is to be removable, you need some sort of lift system as it weighs about 300lbs! So you can't just pop it out when you need space like an extra seat.

2: For the Ford Escape at least, I would want to upgrade the motor so I can get better acceleration and get at speeds higher than 40kph. I can stay electric on quiet streets with no traffic behind me, but otherwise I need the ICE.

At least it looks like we're moving in the right direction.

Cheers,

Roch

Hybrid hating isn't engineering. It's psychology

All the plugin prototypes have a battery pack that weighs a few hundred pounds. A removeable traction pack will probably not be in the cards for awhile.