BATTERY-SAVING FLYWHEEL GIVES ELECTRIC CAR FREEWAY ZIP

Garrett-AiResearch Mfg. Co.'s electric car overcomes some major drawbacks of electric vehicles by incorporating a flywheel power system, the first application of an advanced fiber-composite flywheel. Flywheel power provides a practical electric car for commuters by giving acceleration and start-up capabilities, a reasonable city driving range, and a good possibility for a multiyear life for the battery pack. The Dept. of Energy-sponsored car also has a unique continuously variable transmission, an advanced lead-acid battery pack, and the first all-fiberglass chassis to meet Federal safety regulations. The battery supplies a steady current while the flywheel supplies power to propel the car from a dead stop. The slowed-down flywheel speeds up when the car brakes. The electric system provides the energy equivalent of a 38 mpg gasoline-powered engine but costs only about two cents/mi. to run. If mass-produced, it would cost about 15% more than a conventional subcompact. With one passenger, the flywheel car accelerates from 0 to 30 mph in 7 sec., from 25 to 55 for passing in 10 sec., and from 0 to 50 mph for highway merging in 15 sec. Once on the highway, it cruises at 55 and passes at 60; the Urban Driving Schedule range is 76 mi. A separate note indicates that an advanced zinc-chloride battery is ready for production.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01617370
• Corporate Authors:

  Times Mirror Magazines, Incorporated

  380 Madison Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10017
• Authors:
  • Renner-Smith, S
• Publication Date: 1980-10

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 5 p.
• Serial:
  • Popular Science
  • Volume: 217
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Times Mirror Magazines, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0161-7370

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Costs; Electric automobiles; Electric batteries; Electric vehicles; Energy consumption; Flywheels; Lead acid batteries; Service life; Starting (Driving); Zinc chloride batteries
• Uncontrolled Terms: Starting
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Finance; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00379654
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 237
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 30 1983 12:00AM