The F-150 Hydraulic Hybrid

Instead of using batteries to store energy as in electric-gasoline hybrids, the Ford approach compresses hydraulic fluid in cylinders and uses the energy stored by compressing this fluid to assist a gasoline engine which transmits power through a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)

According to newtechspy.com, this method of energy scavenging is 3X more efficient than the electric methods that now exist. “The standard F-150 has a curb weight of about 4800 lbs., which is 65% greater than the Toyota Prius, yet incredibly the Hydraulic F-150 with a continuously variable transmission matches the Prius with 60mpg city rating, that’s an amazing 400% increase over its gasoline version.�

You would need the bulk of the large truck to house the hydraulic system. I envision a hydraulic system failure resulting in a call to HAZMAT with a sea of cars skidding out of control behind it, however, this system appears to be simple, which may be a bonus in high-mileage applications.

Time will tell if a 60mpg F-150 becomes a reality.

Link here to see my videos and the still images that go with them.
Link here to see my current still photo archive.
Link to my other blog entries in Photoblog