The University of Tasmania built a hybrid two cylinder scooter that runs on ethanol. An electric motor, which is the primary source of power, assists propulsion from the front wheel. The scooter also has a regenerative braking system.
The hybrid uses 35 per cent less fuel than a gasoline-only machine it is based on for mileage of 1/2 gallon for more than 100 miles.
"The control system is generic, so we can take it and put it onto a 4WD car and with minor changes it would work," Dr Karri said. The retro-fitted parts cost just $1500 but could be sourced for as little as $800 in full-scale production.
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