well starting the engine quickly has some benefits, and this sounds like a fairly simple fitting. But it doesn't really meet the sort of engineering results you would expect from a German manufacturer. Kind of odd to considering how merkel was all about the paris deal and how committed they are to renewables.

Hell coyotex made a plug in hybrid out of a metro using a 5th gear extension like years ago. I'm a little shocked at how underwhelming this is.

 

But it doesn't really meet the sort of engineering results you would expect from a German manufacturer.

Recent engineering from german car manufacturers seems to centre around dishonesty and cheating. VW isn't the only one:

http://www.dw.com/en/germany-accuses-audi-of-cheating-on-emissions-tests/a-39087332

 

Yes, its seems odd considering Audi/VW/Porche experience with hybrid electric vehicles.
Infact this just looks to be a copy of the GM "BAS" (Belt AlternatorStarter) launched several years ago in the Saturn etc
But GM claimed much better mpg improvements ?

 

Even if it does border on greenwashing, I recon it is better than nothing, since they aren't about to shut down ICE operations anytime soon. Certainly some marketing appeal in being able to claim your entire lineup is hybrids.

 

yah but we went a little mental with the small diesel regulations by comparison too, considering there were not that many anyway. Plus I really enjoyed being able to run an old $800 rabbit off biodiesel, instant green cred

 

So strange

how deep efforts the fuelheads do, to keep their machines alive... and so strange to see, how perfectly electric stuff works, when they put it even into fossile technology...

BR, Linpotec

 

For the most part though it's not to different for the power source to charge everyone's EV vehicles.

At this point in time, dirty fossil fuels are still the main source of power generation across the world.
Yes some pockets are renewable sources, unfortunately we are surrounded by petrochemical products in every aspect of life. Not just fuel sources. No doubt time will change and we will get better with plant based products, and recycling. However I can't see it being in my lifetime at least. (Roughly another 50years)

 

Renault have anounced they will be equiping several of their new vehicles with a similar belt drive, 48v, Altermotor based , "mild hybrid" system .
Very similar to the Audi system but 10 kW and supplied by Continental out of Germany. (Same supplier as Audi ..i wonder ?)
Continental are saying they are working on a more "integrated" motor system.
A motor in the transaxle like a Prius possibly.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/564190/worlds-first-48-volt-mild-hybrid-system-in-production/

 

...
Continental are saying they are working on a more "integrated" motor system.
A motor in the transaxle like a Prius possibly.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/564190/worlds-first-48-volt-mild-hybrid-system-in-production/

A mild hybrid motor-generator in the transaxle could make sense, but the Hybrid Synergy Drive of a Prius is a huge leap from that - there is no "mild" version of HSD because MG1 must handle enough power to control the engine speed, via the power splitter gearset... and MG2 needs to be able to absorb or supply the same power and more.

Honda's old Integrated Motor Assist is a more suitable format for integration in the transaxle. Various manufacturers have offered motor-generators which sandwich between engine and transmission, as an option for their transmission products; ZF (and presumably others) offer the motor-generator mounted in the bellhousing along with the torque converter or clutch (e.g. 15 kw with ZF 8HP automatic).

 

Half added quick inexpensive retrofit to help fudge emission requirements?

 

For sure !... But that is the auto industry.
They are a business, not a crusade .
Just be grateful they are moving (slowly) in the right direction....and it does give an extra 150Nm of torque to improve the experience.

 

Yet more "48v , mild hybrid". systems .
This time to be used by VW in 2018 on the Golf, and Volvo also as part of their full range conversion to EV/hybrid vehicles in the coming years, (2019?)
I wonder how much of this is just "Media news fodder" to keep the critics at bay and buy time until these Auto companies figure out a better way to convert their existing ICE architecture vehicles to real EV/ hybrids. ?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/michae...at-youve-read-on-volvos-electric-car-strategy-is-badly-misleading/#6d23062ed95a

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michae...at-youve-read-on-volvos-electric-car-strategy-is-badly-misleading/#6d23062ed95a

The article is somewhat reasonable, but I can't give much credibility to an author who writes this:

Honda replaced the torque converter on the 1999 Insight with an electric motor...

No. There's no torque converter to replace in a manual transmission, and the IMA doesn't even replace the clutch, which is still needed. The IMA is an addition, not a replacement for anything. While this author says he has written about the industry for many years, I don't think that he has a clue about the technology that he is writing about, and probably wouldn't recognize a torque converter, clutch, or motor-generator if it were dropped in his lap.

 

They are primarily journalists at the end of the day.
Even some of the most prominent/successful lifetime motoring journo's are actually pretty poorly informed (dumb) when it comes to technical knowledge.
(EG....the TopGear crew !)
I have even seen some rediculous statements from car manufactures own printed information sheets.