EV1-CNG 60mpg

[jetboatjohnny]

General Motors revealed several prototype variants of the EV1 drivetrain at the 1998 Detroit Auto Show. The models included diesel/electric parallel hybrid, gas turbine/electric series hybrid, fuel cell/electric version and compressed natural gas low emission internal combustion engine version.

The compressed natural gas (CNG) variant was the only non-electric vehicle in the line-up, even though it employed the same up-stretched platform. It used a modified Suzuki 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder all-aluminum OHC engine installed under the hood. Due to the high octane rating of the CNG (allowing for a greater compression ratio), this small engine was able to deliver 72 hp at 5500 rpm.

The batteries were replaced with two CNG tanks capable of maximum operating pressure of 3000 psi. The tanks could be refueled from a single nozzle in only 4 minutes. In-tank solenoids shut off the fuel during refueling and engine idle, and a pressure relief device safeguarded against excessive temperature and pressure. With the help of a continuously variable transmission, the car accelerated 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in 11 seconds. The maximum range was 350 to 400 miles, and fuel economy was 60 mpg (in gasoline equivalent) .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_EV1

[cngmike]

Re: EV1-CNG 60mpg

In the late 90's Mazda was filling a CNG Suv in Long Beach. I really liked the EV 1 it was a gas (all puns intended). As a mater of fact one of our members was an EV1 owner. He is now the proud owner of a Gx and a original Phill.

[CraziFuzzy]

Re: EV1-CNG 60mpg

I still think the best option was the Gas Turbine series hybrid. Imagine running a small gas turbine on CNG, optomized for a specific load and rpm? It kicks on at a set battery level, and shuts down at a higher level, so that whenever it is on, it is running at it's optimal load/speed. This would be the single most efficient vehicle design... I want one.. :-)

[CraziFuzzy]

Re: EV1-CNG 60mpg

easily upset

As much as I don't like GM's decision about the EV1, with the turnover in US automaker's administration of late, I doubt a majority of the decision makers from the EV1 are still making those decisions. Also, GM was under no obligation to you or anyone to keep the EV1. In a way, I sort of feel for them the way CA treated them (and other makers) saying that they HAD to make the car, or not sell cars in CA (Which would have been business suicide). The real problem with GM over the others, is that they actually MADE the car, where others just said 'nope, can't be done'.

And do you really believe Honda is fully devoted to CNG at all levels? What are their current annual production numbers for the GX, even with every single one selling at a premium?