I was going to make a longwinded post with a bunch of backstory but I'll cut to the chase.
Have we reached a point yet where it's feasible to build a hybrid at home? Or more specifically to ADD electric power without fully replacing?
The conversation that brought this post was about a camper van upgrade, so let's stick with that.
Powering the front wheels with electric motors. Full time or part time, but in this instance part time.
So motors strong enough for the weight and a way to control them? Rivian, Lightening, Ehummer as donors?
batteries? in this instance there's already a battery pack for camping power, but assume there isn't an existing pack
a way to charge the batteries. Regen? Plug in only? Tied to solar (about useless I know)?
What else to consider? Or is this a case of Quigly is cheaper you idiot?
Yes, the only barrier is cost, and even that isn't a huge barrier. Nashco made his hybrid Fiero to fit within a Challenge budget:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/how-build-all-wheel-drive-gas-electric-hybrid-fier/
I've been thinking that addon KERS could become a popular mod soon, once battery weight and price comes down enough...
I am gathering for the next project phase (should really focus on finishing the current phase) of adding electric to the back of FWD. My charging plan is plug in and regen braking. Cruise control would be set throttle to some nominal and power in or out to keep speed steady. The hope is Prius based electronics, since there is DIY stuff out there for the Prius.
Been wondering about this as well. It would be really nice to be able to move around at low speed with the engine off. Drive thrus, driveway shuffling, parking lots, etc.
Glad I'm not the only person that's been thinking about this recently.
spandak said:
Been wondering about this as well. It would be really nice to be able to move around at low speed with the engine off. Drive thrus, driveway shuffling, parking lots, etc.
I really wanted an electric traffic crawler motor for my Samurai which was often stuck in gridlock traffic, just to roll forward a few feet at a time at a walking pace...
This comes to mind. Nissan Leaf "Hybrid" with a Ninja engine in the hatch.
https://youtu.be/PVlMxQaAf-k
GameboyRMH said:
Yes, the only barrier is cost, and even that isn't a huge barrier. Nashco made his hybrid Fiero to fit within a Challenge budget:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/how-build-all-wheel-drive-gas-electric-hybrid-fier/
I've been thinking that addon KERS could become a popular mod soon, once battery weight and price comes down enough...
Not that I've read nascho's post recently, but I would imagine controlling the system would be a challenge. Or an opportunity to look at it a better way.
alfadriver said:
GameboyRMH said:
Yes, the only barrier is cost, and even that isn't a huge barrier. Nashco made his hybrid Fiero to fit within a Challenge budget:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/how-build-all-wheel-drive-gas-electric-hybrid-fier/
I've been thinking that addon KERS could become a popular mod soon, once battery weight and price comes down enough...
Not that I've read nascho's post recently, but I would imagine controlling the system would be a challenge. Or an opportunity to look at it a better way.
Re: controlling another way.
I think it would be fun to have a paddle-like object for the left hand on the wheel to allow overiding the base throttle position to trail brake with regen or kick the rear out a little (Gas FWD, electric RWD).
I would like to build one similar to the Leaf outlined above, but off a lighter, more fun platform. Think an autograss mini, but with a leaf/volt sized electric motor up front. Hoonigan antics off the loud rear motor, and the front there in leiu of all wheel drive for very slippery stuff or hard launches.
The ability to run on either drivetrain alone would be a goal, since nothing I build has been reliable so far, so if one end breaks the other can get me somewhere safe.
Battery capacity for limited use shouldn't be too much of a weight penalty, and regen braking capability would aid in keeping the regular brakes cool..
I like the idea of the Honda ima, a electric motor between the engine & transmission. I don't think even in the nsx that is a very powerful motor though.
What about the dodge e torque setup? Essentially an electric supercharger the way i understand it. Seems from my limited knowledge that it should be easier to adapt
The RX450h rear motor setup has always seemed to me like it would be a good retrofit option. They're pretty cheap, too.
Do any of the hub motors have a free wheel/neutral mode? Like without power they'd act normal, but hit the switch and it's like push button 4x4.
Dave was thinking of some passes he needs to be winched through in the van because no power to the fronts, without needing to go lift kit, transfer case, driveshafts, etc.
In regards to the leaf motor, I think if you want full power, you need the full battery pack, which gets you back to full leaf weight. Electric motors can't run monster power for short distance like a gas dragster can. If you want big power available, you end up with big range, too. Batteries are essentially little fuel tanks with little fuel pumps. If you need the flow, you need a big collection of batteries and you end up with range again.
If you have a direct drive hub motor, it will freewheel fine. It is a heavy approach for unsprung weight, but an RV likely wouldn't care .
Edit: You could potentially drag race on capacitors, but that would be very bulky.
