Prius

[Martin Jackson <mjackson@vcn.bc.ca>]

Benjamin Franzmayr writes;

"I can see another advantage to a pure series hybrid: upgradeability.
In 10 years time when the lead-acid batteries and ICE are getting a
bit tired, it wouldn't be difficult to replace them with the latest
technology ie NiMH or lithium batteries,...." 

  The advanced batteries should just go into the same space as the PbA
  batteries and the car would ride a little higher.    ?

"fuel cells, "

  are primary (engine) power sources and technically replace the ICE and
  it's clutch.

"ultracapacitors, flywheels or whatever other......" 

  These are low total energy devices with very high or high power
  delivery used for boost-acceleration, not range. Range improves if they
  are used to keep battery amps down or replace the batteries.

"This would be impossible with the parallel hybrid setup."

  Why?

"Additionally, with a series hybrid you can still drive it with a lower 
range when the ICE breaks down. Not so in a parallel hybrid - it doesn't 
have the reliability of a pure electric motor." 

  In either type, if the batteries are large enough, the electric drive 
  can run the car. In a parallel system the primary engine can drive the 
  car directly; the series system cannot use the failed electric motor 
  to drive the car and it's "reliability" value is a little lower. The 
  range extender trailer that some want is a simple series system, 
  controlled by the buss voltage or the driver. 
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