[vpoppv]

I forgot to post that someone did do a hybrid setup. There's some of details at the webite:

http://metroxfi.com/geo-metro-xfi-hybrid-project-page/

and there's a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggtvqmhj3Tc

[dogstar74]

Doesn't a Geo Metro Get about 55 miles per gallon anyway? 2.50/gallon is way cheaper than even a motor!

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by dogstar74

Doesn't a Geo Metro Get about 55 miles per gallon anyway? 2.50/gallon is way cheaper than even a motor!

That is certainly a very valid point. Before I did the conversion, I gave some serious thought about making a sort of semi-hybrid. I still plan on doing it some day. I would remove the alternator and replace it with an electric motor that would be powerful enough to handle turning the water pump constantly and the A/C compressor when needed. Using a deep cycle battery should give you decent range before discharging from the distributor. I figure it should make it good for 10 more MPG.....

[ForkenSwift]

Originally Posted by dogstar74

Doesn't a Geo Metro Get about 55 miles per gallon anyway? 2.50/gallon is way cheaper than even a motor!

True!

But EV projects aren't necessarily about saving money. Rick - the owner of that hybrid Metro project car - is an inveterate tinkerer. He pursues efficiency the way many (most?) other gearheads spend money on power & speed. Meaning: without losing sleep over cost/benefit analysis!

FYI, here's the build thread for his hybrid Metro.

Another experiment at hybridizing a small car I've seen used a chain drive to one rear wheel in a Ford Aspire. The project was ultimately abandoned - chain noise being one issue (he could have used a belt).

[toddshotrods]

I've been toying with a similar idea for a while now,it was actually the catalyst for my race rod EV project. The problem I have yet to figure out a solution for is weight. I originally wanted to turn my 91 Accord into a performance hybrid. The problem is carrying the weight of two powertrains (ICE front-drive / EV rear-drive), plus enough batteries. Even with lithium I'd be looking at a 4000lb vehicle - minimum.

Of course a Geo is much lighter to start, and by not going for performance you can keep the weight down somewhat, but you still have two setups. The ICE isn't going to be as fuel-efficient dragging the EV-powertrain around, and the EV-powertrain is going to have less range and performance because it is pushing an extra ICE around.


I haven't given up completely yet, but have changed my goals. I am toying with the idea of a much lighter EV rear setup in the FWD Accord, designed to provide clutchless creeping ability in city traffic; as well as a possible mileage boost by helping get the car moving from a stop. The hurdles I haven't given serious thought to yet are a switchable single/dual throttle control with one gas pedal, and computer control for cooperation between the two powertrains. Drive-by-wire would be the ultimate because a computer could tell the appropriate powertrain when and how much work to do, depending on what "mode" the driver selects (e.g. Traffic, Stop-n-Go, Highway). Just thinking out loud, in case my madness can actually help someone someday...