patrick_g
Elite Member
KICK said:who decided that Toyota makes a true hybrid?
Allison is making Ep drives for tranist buses and from what I've been led to believe a smaller version will be going in GM's lite truck offereings in the near future.
unlike Toyotas hybrids, which are a series drive, Allsions hybrid drive is series parallel, offereing the benefits of both a tranmission and a hybrid drive.
but you got to wait for it.
Please define TRUE HYBRID. I can't find a definition from a reliable unbiased source.
If a vehicle is partially propelled mechanically by an ICE and partially by an electric motor then I would have thought the vehicle to be a hybrid. Whether the propulsors work at the same time, one at a time, or switch back and forth doesn't seem to be THE TEST of whether or not a vehicle is a hybrid.
Anyone/Everyone can pick a favorite method/process and argue the theoretical advantages or the practical differences of any particular company's manifestation of hybrid technology but so long as the vehicle gets partly propelled at least some of the time by ICE and electric motor then why is it NOT a hybrid.
Again, I guess I flounder for lack of a definition of (or need for) TRUE HYBRIDNESS. There are definite differences in different manufacturer's approaches to hybrids. Honda built hybrids. They work. They do OK. Toyota (with the Prius) built a clearly superior hybrid vehicle when compared to the Honda. Maybe someone will come along and do way better than the Prius. It won't be easy but it will be a marvel if it "out hybrids" the Prius by a good margin. I would love to have a vehicle that is way better than a Prius in cost/performance. The preceding statement is not intended in any way to put the Prius down. I have one and love it. BUT... I would always be happy to have something better in cost/performance ratio.
I think the Prius is currently the BEST mass produced hybrid on the market but better is always welcome. What matters to me in fuel economy and reduced pollution is the results not the means by which the results are achieved. If a pure ICE approach could produce a hundred HP and give 100 MPG with good freq of repair, reliability and low initial cost in a sedan that carries 4 full sized adults in air conditioined comfort quietly and smoothly then if the price is right I want one. I don't get off on having a hybrid badge on my car's back side but I do get off on all the comfort and convenience while getting over 50MPG.
Pat