Aussie researchers develop ethanol-electric plug-in hybrid prototype

In Australia, researchers at the University of Tasmania have constructed a prototype, plug-in hybrid ethanol-electric vehicle. The prototype used a Toyota Corolla body, and follow up from a successful development of a plug-in hybrid motor scooter last year. The prototype placed electric engines in each of the car’s four wheels, and would generate power during braking to recharge the car’s batteries. The ethanol engine was used for assistance on steep hills. The car generated as little 90 grams of CO2 per kilometer if using renewable electric energy, a reduction of 70 percent compared to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.

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