Hybrids
Hybrids are an alternative to current drivelines. They have the potential to save alot of gas by using electric motors to accelerate the car from a stop, or to assist the engine as its operating.
Electric Motor
The electric motor on the toyota prius is a large ac motor which accelerates the car from a stoplight to approximately 30 mph, dependent on throttle position. Less throttle and the electric stays engaged longer due to the fact that it needs little assist from the engine. If alot of power is needed the engine can start earlier. This keeps the engine, which is less efficient at lower rpm and throttle settings, from running until the range where it is naturally more efficient. This also benifits fuel economy because the engine shuts off when stopping or low speed in traffic. This system is considered a parallel system because both the engine and electric motor deliver power to the wheels. Another system is the series setup, It has been used in trains for some time now and simply uses the engine to charge the battery. All of the movement is accomplished by the electric motors. The duty cycles of the train cars are very short. When the stop they have plenty of time between to recharge their batteries.
