From: Mrcheerful on
GT wrote:
> "Doug" <jagmad(a)riseup.net> wrote in message
> news:f034292e-2032-4356-8d71-230755b6bb2f(a)c13g2000vbr.googlegroups.com...
Perhaps they hacked into one of
> the new remotely poluting hybrid vehicles as their brakes are not
> 'traditional' friction brakes, but mini generators used to reclaim
> kinetic energy and convert it into electric energy to recharge
> batteries. This highlights another reason not to drive a remotely
> poluting, low range, electric car.

The Toyota prius has entirely standard brakes, with pads and shoes and
hydraulics. It is also able to slow down by running its generator from the
momentum of the car (which slows it down) Light braking causes the generator
to start working which gives the regenerating braking you have heard of,
this reduces fuel use by charging the batteries rather than wasting the
energy as heat. BUT if you slam the anchors on then you get normal type
braking as well. It also has a 'LOW' setting which gives the effect of
selecting a low gear for descending hills etc.

Try a Prius, they are really quite a revelation after a conventional car,
and well worth a drive.

A vehicle which had entirely electrically operated brakes or steering would
not get type approval AFAIK


From: GT on
"Mrcheerful" <nbkm57(a)hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
news:A6tJn.20992$Wz2.17663(a)newsfe27.ams2...
> GT wrote:
>> "Doug" <jagmad(a)riseup.net> wrote in message
>> news:f034292e-2032-4356-8d71-230755b6bb2f(a)c13g2000vbr.googlegroups.com...
> Perhaps they hacked into one of
>> the new remotely poluting hybrid vehicles as their brakes are not
>> 'traditional' friction brakes, but mini generators used to reclaim
>> kinetic energy and convert it into electric energy to recharge
>> batteries. This highlights another reason not to drive a remotely
>> poluting, low range, electric car.
>
> The Toyota prius has entirely standard brakes, with pads and shoes and
> hydraulics. It is also able to slow down by running its generator from
> the momentum of the car (which slows it down) Light braking causes the
> generator to start working which gives the regenerating braking you have
> heard of, this reduces fuel use by charging the batteries rather than
> wasting the energy as heat. BUT if you slam the anchors on then you get
> normal type braking as well.

That is re-assuring thanks.


From: Ian Dalziel on
On 21 May 2010 06:59:52 GMT, Adrian <toomany2cvs(a)gmail.com> wrote:

>> and make instruments give false readings.
>
>Big. Fat. Wow.

But... but... you wouldn't be able to match speed limits. That kills
children, doesn't it?

--

Ian D
From: boltar2003 on
On Fri, 21 May 2010 11:08:08 +0100
"GT" <a(a)b.c> wrote:
>still work manually. The only CPU controlled part of the braking system in
>most cars is the ABS and turning that off would simply result in less
>efficient braking in poor traction conditions. Perhaps they hacked into one
>of the new remotely poluting hybrid vehicles as their brakes are not

They could probably do something so that the ABS cuts in all the time so
your braking distance would be slightly increased but other than that it
seems to be scaremongering to me. As a last resort just switch the ignition
off and coast the car to a stop. Though this simple solution didn't
occur to some clueless yanks in toyotas.

B2003

From: Adrian on
"Mrcheerful" <nbkm57(a)hotmail.co.uk> gurgled happily, sounding much like
they were saying:

>> Perhaps they hacked into one of the new remotely poluting hybrid
>> vehicles as their brakes are not 'traditional' friction brakes

> The Toyota prius has entirely standard brakes, with pads and shoes and
> hydraulics.

Yup.

> Try a Prius, they are really quite a revelation after a conventional
> car, and well worth a drive.

No, they're not. They're utterly bland. They're dull, they're slow,
they're noisy internally, they're not even particularly economical if
driven so as to keep up with traffic - I averaged about 35mpg in a one
hour test drive.

> A vehicle which had entirely electrically operated brakes or steering
> would not get type approval AFAIK

Very true.

>> This highlights another reason not to drive a remotely poluting, low
>> range, electric car.

Still, at least Duhg proves he can be right every so often - in
conclusion, if not in logic.