- 28
- So Far Away.
- Mybestgameisgt
The problem with a pure series hybrid is that the part of driving that has the potential to be most efficient (aka, steady state cruise) is actually the least efficient mode of operation for a series hybrid - you really want the engine to be driving the wheels in this scenario, rather than going through the middle man of the electronic. Honda's hybrid system is pretty clever in that it can direct-drive the wheels under certain conditions.I have to imagine this is taking so long partly because Mazda is trying to avoid simply lumping their new I6 engine into it. Rotary hybrid would be sick but would require immense development resources. One last hoorah. Or perhaps a more modern rotary-range-extended EV which would not only perform at a modern EV level (sorry Chevy Volt) but would completely erase range anxiety. That was the goal of the volt, except they didn't do it right. They used the engine to power the car rather than simply to charge the battery. Modern tech would likely make the latter more efficient than the former, and simpler too.
The problem with a pure series hybrid is that the part of driving that has the potential to be most efficient (aka, steady state cruise) is actually the least efficient mode of operation for a series hybrid - you really want the engine to be driving the wheels in this scenario, rather than going through the middle man of the electronic. Honda's hybrid system is pretty clever in that it can direct-drive the wheels under certain conditions.
I've always thought a parallel hybrid rotary would be fantastic. You get the rotary operating in it's happy place (moderate to high load and mid to high RPM) and keep it out it's dirty and low performing range (low loads and RPM) and you get the nice satisfying shove of an electric motor at the low end.