Reply #23: Apparently there is some regenerative braking involved [View All]

[muriel_volestrangler]

This is a real company a division of which is producing the 7kw hub motors used in this nice approach to adding electric drive to the rear wheels of any car. They are about 1-2 months away from beta testing their product. Which will sell for less than $4k for a lead acid system (7kw-hours) or about $7k for one using Lion batteries (from China) which will fit nicely in the spare tire wheel well of most vehicles. They are ramping up the ability to manufacture the motors in volume so many of us will have the option to use this low cost approach to having a "Gridable-Hybrid".

The system puts out constant torque to help move the vehicle and switches to regenerative braking when the brake light is activated. This is a simple control strategy that should be sufficient for many situations. It should also help mask the Prius (yes, it can work with ANY car) Traction Control "stalling" issue and let me get up my driveway in bad weather.

http://fdbryant3.newsvine.com/_news/2008/05/08/1476862-poulsen-hybrid-car-conversion-kit-takes-aim-at-x-prize-your-wallet-engadget