Comments on: EcoMotor: Bigger than lithium batteries?

By: Tom G.

Tom G. — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:14:57 +0000

Here is the link to the EcoMotor website. Interesting engine design. Something like an old VW, or Chev. Corvair with an extra piston per cylinder.

http://www.ecomotors.com/

Tom G.

By: LEAFguy

LEAFguy — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:13:55 +0000

Any attempt at reducing our reliance on oil is a good thing. The method isn’t the message – the reduction of petroleum usage is the message. Of course – that message has been preached for a very long time.

If you have any interest in the Nissan LEAF, and whether it might be right for you, please check out http://livingleaf.info. Living LEAF is a consumer based web site seeking the answer to the question – Is the LEAF right for me?

By: Tom G.

Tom G. — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:50:03 +0000

Picture in post is not the engine described in the article. The actual engine is a flat, two stroke engine with 2 pistons per cylinder. No valve train or cylinder heads. Also the way I read the article the manufacturer is going to focus on heavy duty vehicles first [i.e. diesel trucks]. We might see this technology in autos in 10 years if we are lucky.

Of course they could license the technology to someone else and bring it to market more quickly. Almost anything is possible I guess.

Tom G.

By: JohnM

JohnM — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:46:36 +0000

Why so much hesitation in thinking this is a good thing? The goal is reduced fuel use, not a particular technology. It’s a march to fuel economy. Each change helps, wherever it comes from. If I can get 50% with a need ICE, then add regenerative braking that runs non-motive parts like A/C and steering, we’ll have a full sized sedan that gets better mileage than a Prius. What’s more, it won’t need government subsidies to be competitive.

That said, I’ll take more than 5 years for a new engine like this to get to a dealership, even if all goes well.