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I'm hoping that someone out in carland has info on getting hybrid-specific parts. For those that haven't already seen in my profile, I plan on building a hybrid hot rod. The candidate of choice is my 1954 Studebaker Pickup truck. I'm thinking of using a small, efficient, perhaps air-cooled (maybe not) engine, from a small car or a motorcycle. My design is unique. The engine will not be mechanically connected to the wheels at all. I plan on building some of the stuff from scratch, but I feel it best certain parts be OEM replacement, so I don't have to build again should something fail. I plan for the electric motor to mount directly onto the rear differential, and the system be more user-dependant, (at least during testing anyway)
The goal? To pull a car trailer with a car on it down the interstate for at least an hour at 65MPH and get at least 35 MPG.
Think it can be done?
For anyone that knows where I may source out hybrid specific parts like the NI-MH battery, control box, cabling, flywheel magneto, I'd love to hear from you. You may respond in the thread, or e-mail me direct at Nosmo@Twhakker.com Please put Hybrid Parts in the subject line
I'm not sure this is the best place to pursue your hobby. Let me suggest visiting some of the Electric Vehicle forums that may have a better list of parts and equipment.
Now if you already have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, there is a company that sells an after-market kit that puts a powerful electric motor and controller in the propeller shaft. But their interest is more in augmenting an existing gas-only vehicle to give is a limited EV-hybrid mode.
As for batteries and controllers, again you'll find a better source in the Electric Vehicle forums.
Perhaps you might give a clue as to the actual vehicle weight and performance you're after. If I were doing it, I would probably start with a front wheel drive vehicle that I could gut the ICE and provide direct drive from an electric motor. I would also replace the rear axle with a motor driven, limited-slip differential. But most of all, I would pay attention to the vehicle mass and maximum power that can drawn from the battery and controller assembly. This dictates the maximum acceleration, especially if a 5th wheel and controls are used to detect tire slip.
As for the gas-engine and generator, this is pretty straight forward. You'll need some care to handle balancing but that should be fairly straight forward.
Personally, I think the right answer is to get a 'run out' Honda Insight. This will give you a minimum weight body that looks 'unassuming.' Then do the motors and control systems and you'll have a silent, road warrior.
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