WORLD ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
October
7th, 2005
Fifty Ways to Cut Automotive Fuel Costs
Doubling Your Gas Mileage
A Nine Part Series
Part 4 of 9
Plug-In Hybrids Offer a 200 MPG Future
Besides the standard hybrid, which uses both a gasoline
engine and electric engine, there are is a new type of hybrid, called a hybrid plug-in. A plug-in differs from a standard
hybrid in that it has extra features, such as an extra, improved or larger-size batteries, an improved flywhee. Most importantly
it has the ability to be plugged straight into your 120 Volt electric socket.
The City of Austin has been a proponent of plug-in
hybrid technology, which it indicates has the potential to reduce the gas and electric fuel costs to drive considerably.
The technology, which is believed related to technology
developed by AFS Trinity Power and Valence Technology, like a hybrid generates energy from braking and coasting operations.
But apparently the real kicker comes from special flywheels, new battery technology called ultra capacitors or super capacitor
batteries, and special electronics and software. Maxwell Technologies has seen significant growth in its sales of ultracapacitors
as it seeks to expand its revenues from the automotive and wind energy markets.
With the plug-ins, the City of Austin, indicates that
drivers can drive about 35 miles a day without the need for gas. This, of course translates to higher electricity bills. But,
for such a 35 mile trip, electricity costs are only estimated at about 75 cents. One reason is that electricity rates are
cheaper at night, when plug-in recharge. The low cost of electricity is complimented with no emissions. Texas is big on wind
energy, which is expected to become a major source of energy for the state to power cars, light weight scooters and even very
high mileage bicycles.
Further Reading on the PerfectDisplay
