Human-electric hybrid vehicle

A human-electric hybrid vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, or more specifically a hybrid human powered vehicle, whose drivetrain consists of a human being and an electric motor/generator (and one or more electricity-storage device(s) such as a battery(ies) or ultracapacitor(s)). Some vehicles are able to operate off both human power and be plugged in to operate on battery power.[1]

It can have characteristics of a bicycle[2], velomobile or other lightweight human operated vehicles [3] with the addition of faster acceleration and regenerative braking, allowing a higher average velocity, especially in hilly terrain[4].

Some vehicles have a clutch and three or more wheels, allowing the operator to continue pedalling and charge up the electricity-storage device during traffic stops.

New generation vehicles

There are a number of private individuals and companies working on lighter vehicles using advanced materials engineering (especially carbon fiber) and lighter electrical components (ultracapacitors). Here are some examples:

References

  1. ^ Human-electric hybrid car expected next year (w/ Video); Lin Edwards; August 17, 2010; http://www.physorg.com/news201243600.html
  2. ^ High performance electric-human hybrid bicycle; Mike Hanlon; April 30, 2006; http://www.gizmag.com/go/5683/
  3. ^ 'HUMAN-ELECTRIC' HYBRID CAR GOES 30 MPH UPHILL; Alyssa Danigelis; Sat Aug 14, 2010; http://news.discovery.com/autos/human-electric-hybrid-car-goes-30-mph-uphill.html
  4. ^ http://www.gadgettastic.com/2008/01/22/personal-transportation-concept/

See Also

http://www.asme.org/events/competitions/human-powered-vehicle-challenge-(hpvc)