Last year we wrote about Robert Q. Riley's XR-3 hybrid project, a diesel plug in hybrid you can build from plans. The XR-3 prototype is now on the road and I have to admit, I like the looks of it. It's a reverse trike configuration 3 wheeler with diesel power going to the front wheels and an electric motor for the rear wheel. The full diesel electric hybrid system can exceed … [Read more...]
Electronic Wedge Brakes Signal Future Electric Cars
Electronic Wedge Brakes, scheduled to appear on a German production car, probably in 2008, are the first part of a multi part concept called "eCorner" by Siemens VDO. Electronic Wedge Brakes or EWB, eliminate the hydraulic system used to power the brake pads in current automotive systems and substitute 12 volt electric motors that move rollers and a wedge shaped interface. The … [Read more...]
Electric Cars are the Future – Bob Lutz
If you are young and just getting started in an automotive career, pay attention to electric motors and batteries because you'll be seeing a lot more of them in the future. While the internal combustion engine has served well for over a century and will continue to serve for many more years, there is a definite shift under way toward an electric car future. Hybrid cars are a … [Read more...]