[Tektalkdiscussion] Fw: Hybrid cars

[Bob Acosta]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Bob Acosta 
To: Bob Acosta 
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 11:31 AM
Subject: Hybrid cars


            News about a solution to the problem with "quiet cars".
>
>
>> >
>> >>> Introducing the hybrid you can hear (so it won't run you over) By
>> >>> Michael Savage Thursday, 7 August 2008 Lotus said its Lotus said its
>> >>> "safe and sound hybrid technology" simulates the traditional grunt of
>> >>> a combustion engine Photos enlarge The fearsome roar of their engines
>> >>> is one of the first things to come to mind at the mention of Lotus,
>> >>> the stylish, lightweight British sports cars.
>> >>> That familiar growl could soon be heard coming from a far more modest
>> >>> source: beneath
>> >>> the hitherto tranquil bonnets of other manufacturers' electric cars.
>> >>> Lotus is developing technology that will put the roar of the
>> >>> traditional combustion engine under the hoods of eco-friendly
>> >>> vehicles, in an attempt to make the quiet cars safer for unsuspecting
>> >>> pedestrians - particularly the blind - and cyclists.
>> >>> Stealthy hybrids and electric cars have come in for criticism from
>> >>> groups representing the blind and partially sighted, concerned that
>> >>> the low hum of the vehicles puts those with imperfect sight at 
>> >>> greater
>> >>> risk of being hit on the roads. Some are almost silent at slow 
>> >>> speeds.
>> >>> Lotus said its "safe and sound hybrid technology" simulates the
>> >>> traditional grunt of a combustion engine, making it "instantly
>> >>> recognisable that the vehicle is in motion".
>> >>> It has already put the system into a Toyota Prius, one of the most
>> >>> popular hybrid cars on the market. The device kicks in automatically
>> >>> to produce an artificial engine noise when the hybrid car runs on its
>> >>> electric motor. When the car's combustion engine takes over, sensors
>> >>> fitted to the engine and suspension turn off the sound.
>> >>> The engine noise is produced by a waterproof loudspeaker positioned
>> >>> next to the car's radiator, making the sound seem to originate from
>> >>> under the bonnet. The system produces a pitch and frequency designed
>> >>> to help pedestrians identify the car's speed and distance.
>> >>> Lotus adapted the system from technology previously developed to 
>> >>> block
>> >>> outside noise from the inside of its cars.
>> >>> Electric vehicles are tipped to become a more common sight on the
>> >>> roads over the coming decade as drivers seek ways of minmising the
>> >>> cost of ever-higher petrol prices and the issue of global warming
>> >>> moves up the agenda.
>> >>> Mike Kimberley, chief executive of Group Lotus, said: "The increased
>> >>> acceptance of greener vehicles such as hybrid and electric vehicles 
>> >>> is
>> >>> to be encouraged; they have an important role in improving fuel
>> >>> economy and reducing emissions. Our technology increases pedestrian
>> >>> safety, while retaining the car's environmental benefits."
>> >>> Duncan Vernon, road safety manager for the Royal Society for the
>> >>> Prevention of Accidents,
>> >>> said: "We need to look at ways of ensuring the safety of pedestrians.
>> >>> We welcome innovative solutions which address this."
>> >>> Lotus hopes that manufacturers of electric and hybrid cars will adopt
>> >>> the technology, which it says can also be fitted to cars already on
>> >>> the roads for a sum that would not "break the bank".
>> >>> Pressure is growing on the Government to introduce minimum noise
>> >>> requirements for road vehicles, to ensure the noise-augmenting
>> >>> technology is used and that the new wave of quiet eco-friendly cars
>> >>> poses no risk to vulnerable pedestrians.
>> >>> Clive Wood, transport policy officer at the Guide Dogs for the Blind
>> >>> Association,
>> >>> said: "Blind and partially sighted people use the noise of oncoming
>> >>> traffic as a cue for when it is safe to cross a road. If a quiet
>> >>> hybrid electric vehicle is approaching, then they will no longer have
>> >>> this cue and are immediately put at risk."
>> >>> He added: "We recognise the environmental benefits of these vehicles.
>> >>> However, more
>> >>> consideration needs to be given to the safety implications to 
>> >>> visually
>> >>> impaired pedestrians."
>> >>> Silent danger on the street
>> >>> *Electric and hybrid cars are so quiet many fear they pose a risk to
>> >>> pedestrians.
>> >>> One US study found electric and hybrid cars moving slowly had to be 
>> >>> 40
>> >>> per cent closer to pedestrians than conventional vehicles before 
>> >>> their
>> >>> location could be detected.
>> >>> They have no noisy pistons, internal explosions or fan belts which
>> >>> cause the roar we associate with the traditional car engine. Hybrids
>> >>> pose an added problem.
>> >>> For
>> >>> much of the time, they are powered by a combustion engine. But at low
>> >>> speeds, an electric motor takes over, making them very quiet. The new
>> >>> system from Lotus kicks in when sensors detect the electric motor is
>> >>> working.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>>
>
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