Volvo: What’s the best kind of range extender?
The C30 plug-in will be converted into two different plug-in hybrids
Volvo testing 3 different types of plug-in hybrids
Starting in 2012 Volvo will begin testing three different types of electric vehicles with various types of three-cylinder gasoline/flex fuel powered range extenders.
One will be a series hybrid, and the others will be two different parallel hybrids.
The series hybrid is based on the C30 electric car and offers about 68 miles of electric range, and another 621 miles using gasoline. In this combination electricity almost always powers the vehicle.
Also using the C30 electric is a parallel hybrid. This plug-in is very similar to the series hybrid; however, its parallel configuration enables the engine to drive the rear wheels, particularly for more efficient highway driving. Additionally, the electric range is reduced to 47 miles.
The third concept is based upon the C60. This parallel hybrid uses electricity-only up to speeds of 31 mph and then the engine begins to drive the front wheels.
No word on whether Volvo is planning to bring all three plug-ins to market, or whether the focus is efficiency and/or cost-effectiveness.
Source: GreenCarCongress
seriously – is there a definition for “range extender” in the hybrid car world?
would ANY hybrid that uses a gasoline engine to power the car after the battery is exhausted be called a “range extender”?
when the new Prius plug-in comes online – will it also be said to have a “range extender”?
question 2 – of the 3 possible configurations mentioned for the Volvo – which is most like the Volt?
lord! no no no.. not a “length” extender…
Best type of range extender?
Ummm, Viagra?
NO, wait! Extendze! That’s it, extendze. Phew, almost missed that question…
I do not subscribe to the belief that there is just one “best” range extender.
I’m hoping there will be multiple types of range extenders, that provide us with choices and competition.
can someone define what “range extender” means?
it sounds pretty generic….
is it a specific kind of technology or is it any technology that allows the range to be “extended”?