Hybrid Theory

[GlenB]

Nope... it not Linkin Park.... its the inside of a 330 volt battery.

All that voltage is actually produced from little batteries no bigger than about a C cell. Individually, they are no threat... heck, they are in your flash lights, kid's toys... ect... but packed together in series like these, they will weld your knees to the bumper. If you own a Hybrid, or thinking about getting one... stay away from the solid orange wires... ok? Find some where else to wire your radio.

Any questions? All answers will be based on Hybrid Escape.

[The Rob]

Similar components to the GM battery module I've seen. Different shape though. I assume the inverter and some other electronics that go with the system are under the hood right?

[ryans]

The first hybrid was produced in around 1916. The first fleet of electric taxi's was in 1897. Funny how history is suppressed.

http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aacarselectrica.htm

[GlenB]

The DC/DC converter is under the hood and cooled by it's own water cooled system (it's own pump, hoses and radiator). That also cools the eCVT transmission and control module. The DC/DC converter performs the function that an alternator would on a conventional engine, when you look at it from the stand point of the 12 volt side of the electrical system (12 volt battery, lights, ect). It converts the 330v system down to 12 volt. It is equal to a 110 amp alternator.

You can see it pictured here behind the dual coolant degas bottles. The front one is for the engine and the rearward one is for the M/E cooling system (Motor Electronics cooling)

[GlenB]

Did you know that Briggs and Stratton made a hybrid car in 1980? It was a 6 wheeled car. They weren't trying to produce a car line. They were just trying to promote the idea of hybrid technology and fuel conversation.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1980-briggs-and-stratton-hybrid-concept-car.htm

[GlenB]

The 2009 Escape hybrid will be a plug in hybrid that will deliver 120mpg in the city because the first 30 miles will run completely on battery power (no speed or acceleration rate mentioned), and have an 170hp 2.5L (up from a 2.3 that was getting around 135hp) Atkinson cycle engine.

The eCVT of the earlier hybrids will be replaced for a 6 speed auto. No word yet on any technical information on how that all will work out... because traditionally the eCVT was the heart of a hybrid... that is what made a hybrid a hybrid.