The Hybrid/NA Engine Debate (moved from Future Rule Changes)

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

So, harping back to my point. You either have all electric (Formula E) or fossil fuel power for your race performance. To combine the two in hybrids, similar to the diesel electric locos, is a very inefficient way of producing power.

I'm enjoying the discussion so happy to be corrected.

The diesel electric combination is not a hybrid so should not be included in any conversation concerning hybrid propulsion. A hybrid has battery storage, runs as an EV for as long as those batteries have enough energy stored then switches seamlessly to (usually) an IC motor which then powers the vehicle and restores the battery to a usable level.

A range extender has a power combination just like the electric train but the IC component cannot power the vehicle as a hybrid can, it powers a generator which then charges batteries which are used to drive the vehicle with electric motors.

There is huge confusion between the two systems for some reasons. This is an old (2015) video but it explains things well and the speaker is very entertaining. I have posted this before but here it is again for those who missed it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4H3FE0Z4QQ