Talk:Car/Kinentic Vehicles Proposal

When this says "use of power cube" does that mean this will be a hydraulic drive vehicle that gets 100mpg? I remember reading that hydraulic transfer is much less efficient than mechanical, how will the loss in efficiency be made up? - Lex Berezhny 13:47, 14 February 2012 (CET)

• I think the best practical efficiency of high quality hydraulic pump/motors is 85%. The efficiency of a hydraulic-drive vehicle can be increased in the following ways:
  • Use hydraulics for pretty much everything; this saves weight. The drive, steering and suspension can all be hydraulic.
  • Build the hydraulic system so it recaptures energy from the suspension and braking activities. FedEx trucks were able to get 85mpg that way.
  • Integrate the largest, strongest hydraulic component (the accumulator) into the frame of the vehicle as a stressed member.
  • As much as possible, use metal tubes instead of rubber hoses.
  • As much as possible, use the highest quality pumps/motors possible.
  • Three wheels instead of four.
  • Aerodynamic body.

- Matt_Maier 14FEB2012