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I just got my Popular science, and found the interesting article about concept 300 mpg $20,000 Gasoline/ compressed nitrogen hybrid car, as well as a link to the proposed X prize for bringing to market a practicle 100 MPG car:
http://blog.wired.com/cars/index.blog?entry_id=1537213
Any one want to start a car company?
;)

The news and articles forums don't allow new threads to be posted because the threads show up on the front page and need special formating. You are allowed to post replies in that forum, but not originate a thread.

BTW, the xprize has been mentioned before, and the only problem with it isa that the car has to be mass marketed. So even if you put out 100 or 1000, that wouldn't win you a prize.

I agree, it is a long shot, but the rules have not been posted, the term mass marketed, could apply to an after market, plug in MIMA with boost system and Ewheel, that is installed into anyones Insight with a 2 day turnaround, instantly transforming it into a combined 100MPG city car (Ewheel), and 50-60 MPH 100 MPG commuter car (Eboost). There are at least 10,000 Insights on the road. The price could be under $5,000 for the full conversion,including the lead acid with an adder for different more advanced battery chemistries.:) Just have to wait and see what the rules say.

What is Mass Marketed is the key word to define.

I can demonstrate my cars performance to any one, and the proof is in the pudding.

Thats why I asked if anyone wants to get into the car business.

It would take some up front work and expense to bring this all together into a nicely integrated system that mixes the different sources of power automatically to achieve an average of over 100 MPG.
I can do it now.
I need help to pull it off quickly. The prototype has passed initial test, and is ready for real testing, then mass marketing?
See how it goes.

How about a prototype for the HCH I :)

Alas, the insight isn't going to be made any more. So there is only a finite number of customers for it.

How about a prototype for the HCH I :)

Alas, the insight isn't going to be made any more. So there is only a finite number of customers for it.
Finite customers. Yep. That came to mind.

But I still love the idea. I have to reread that article and more about the X prize.

Unfortunately, anyone can take that 100 mpg car and go out and
drive it in a way that returns 35 mpg. What do the rules say
about minimum driving methodology requirements and real-life
traffic conditions?
.
_H*

Unfortunately, anyone can take that 100 mpg car and go out and
drive it in a way that returns 35 mpg. What do the rules say
about minimum driving methodology requirements and real-life
traffic conditions?
.
_H*

My Insight have been driven with extreme P&G to over 150mpg.

It has also done 25mpg on 30 miles of an iced road doing stop-and-go at 2-3mph.

"Your results may vary..." :D

I know it is a crazy idea, but one must dream.
I think I may be able to do >100 on the EPA, but only if I were driving. The controls would need lots of cleanup and better user interface would need to be defined. My car is just a prototype or proof of concept right now.
The system will produce >100 MPG with any driver that follows a few basic rules, under a much wider range of speeds than without the booster. If the boost supply could put out 25-35A, one could run off the boost pack, and would be able to maintain 65MPH at >100MPG, all the while the boost battery has power. I have to be careful to not deplete the stock battery with my 16.5A boost as presently configured.
Since the rules have not been set, we are just speculating.
The plug in Prius would fall into the >100MPG catagory during the time the PHEV pack had remaining charge.
Will have to wait and seewhat they come up with in the rules.
I would not consider my present booster battery mounting system very crash safe, so a lot of work would need to be done in that area.

Hi All:

___My own thoughts head back to an 85 or newer Civic HF … rear wheels powered by an Azure dynamics transaxle and batches of Li-Ion 18650’s (I know you don’t like those Mike but they are cheap) for a PHEV-200 EV solution. The EPA’s FTP75/HWFET would be an all electric affair. With a smallish 6 gallon tank, that 1.3/1.5 cc w/ Lean Burn should easily knock out a 600 mile range at 100 + mpg when using both its EV capabilities and its gasoline one. The HF’s can be found for < $2K whereas a 2000 Insight would be about 4X’s the price? I do not know the cost of the Azure package and if a large pack would even come close to making it an effective solution even using individual 18650’s (including the electrical - gasoline equivalent) and I bet it would be close?

___I ma not sure of the rules myself however … New car? Full US certification on emissions, crash worthiness, road ability, performance specs …

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Don't misunderstand me, the 18650’s are a great battery for the price, but once you package and properly manage the things, the price advantage may melt away.

I have been using my system for my everyday short trips and stop and go, and can pull down over 100MPG, with out much problem. I found that even with the gas engine idling to keep the dc/dc on, that I can get in the 140+ MPG range with the Ewheel.
I live on top of a big hill, which involves an uphill return from any trip I do, and still can get home at 106-109 MPG. This is usually a short maybe 10-15 mile trip with 6-10 stops, and speed with the flow.
The solar charging system can recharge the boost batteries in a full day from 40%SOC.
I use the Ewheel when the flow is 25-35 MPH, and on most takeoffs, and the boost mostly on the highway. I am pretty happy overall with the performance, when are some of you other guys going to pull your spare tire and get to work stuffing in more batteries? The concept is proven.;) Go for it.