Pickup problem with Stirling Engines in cars.

[stan.hornbaker]

I contacted an auto sales rep. today and was brougt up to date on CVT's. They come in a variety of kinematic designs to accomplish the same purpose.

Hybrids use the prime mover to charge the battery and/or provide torque to power the wheels. When the prime mover is inadequate to power the wheels, such as in a upgrade situation, the battery assists the generater, acting as a motor. When on a down grade the torque from the wheels acts on the generator to provide additional current to charge the battery.

Automotive designers do a pretty thorough job of designing the best possible combination of components to provide a high reliability drive system.

The drive system is expected to provide the maximum driving range for the minimum fuel consumption/cost.