"Larry Dighera" wrote in message
...
....

So, let me see if I understand your position correctly. You believe,
that from a physics viewpoint energy recovery through regenerative
braking is marginally useful at best,

Many (most, all?) hybrid vehicles currently in production use regerative
braking. The effectiveness of the regenerative braking is limited by the
fact that the electric drive system is typically not connected to all the
wheels and the maximum current limits in the motor (working as a generator),
electronics, and battery charging capacities. As a result current hybrid
vehicles employ friction brakes along with the regenerative braking to make
up whatever additional capacity is required. Getting the two brake systems
to play well and not change the relation betweeen pedal effort and braking
result takes a bit of engineering...

I don't have the numbers in front of me, but in urban driving a significant
portion of the gasoline energy is expended by the brakes (10-15%? - I used
to have a chart on the wall at my desk, but I don't remember the numbers -
sorry)


that the current state of
technology cannot enable the production of useful electric vehicles,

Define useful.

and the emerging popularity of hybrid automobiles is just a vogue
based on marketing prowess?

Small diesels give about the same fuel economy as hybrids, but the
diffuculty is making the tailpipe emission standards in the US -
particularly California. Thus the popularity of hybrids in the US but not in
Europe where emission standards are easier.

...

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.