Electric Car Conversion: The Amazing 75-MPG Hybrid Car

(Page 3 of 3)

July/August 1979
By Robert W. Marshall  
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Of course, some folks will question the idea of shifting without a clutch ... but with the fully synchronized gearbox-this doesn't prove to be a problem at all (and the motor could be run through a conventional clutch with few complications).

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As far as the driving range is concerned, Dave points out that-if driven carefully the car can travel unlimited distances (as long as the generator engine continues to function) ... because of the fact that the motor has a low draw at cruising speeds: only .23 amps at 1,800 RPM. Since the Briggs & Stratton engine turns at a fixed rate and can generate 100 amps at about 28-1/2 volts, normal driving presents no problem. Hot or traveling in a very mountainous area-could, however, tax the car's charging system . . . but even these demands don't pose much of a problem, because the batteries can be brought from a 1/4 charge (the effective "dead" state, with a built-in safety factor) to a full charge in only 15 minutes.

David Arthurs' electric Opel sounds almost too good to believe ... and best of all, its circuitry can probably be adapted to just about any vehicle on the road today! It is true that small, lightweight cars are more easily "hybridized", but this same system will also work in a heavier auto ... it could even be upscaled to suit one of the large American models.

In short, Dave has succeeded in doing-for a lot less money-what countless government-funded researchers have failed to accomplish: building a passenger car that uses a minimum of energy. Now all he has to do is burn "homegrown" alcohol fuel in his generator engine ... and Mr. Arthurs will have the most economical set of wheels in town!

Hybrid Car Blueprints are available to help you convert a 1970s-era vehicle to an electric vehicle.

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  • Aaron Carruth 7/19/2009 9:41:45 PM

    i found the original blueprits to dave's idea.
    if you are interested please email me.
    the_1_killers_fan@yahoo.com

  • sparkie V Watt 3/27/2009 1:52:01 PM

    Are Dave's plans still availabile ?

    SVW

  • Samara 3/13/2009 8:36:31 AM

    I once drew up a design somewhat similar to this design, with the exception of using an electric motor, my design called for a 200HP hydraulic motor, in which a 12HP lawnmower engine would in the end power. In the end I really like this idea presented here, and maybe someone who has the time and cash can utilize my concept so I can see if it would even have worked! :)

  • Olddog 7/1/2008 5:03:19 PM

    I think it's a cool idea. The car companies should take notes from this guy.
    I wonder how a Honda Generator would fit into the equation?
    It's much quieter and produces greater power more efficiently doesn't it?

    Just a thought,....

  • jess 5/3/2007 10:14:28 PM

    AMAZING WORK. HOW ABOUT MORE TECH. DATA.

  • Linda 3/29/2007 4:28:05 PM

    If you hear anything on this topic i am also interested.thanks,

  • L 3/25/2007 11:10:37 PM

    Hello! We are seeking information about Eco Village, the MEN farm.
    We visited there in 1984 and were very impressed with the research
    and model homes/alternative energy adaptations. We heard it is no
    longer in operation, but is there another experimental farm in
    another location? Thank you, L and L Glass, Hauser Lake, Idaho

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