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To: UpAllNight
The motors act like generators when braking.

Wouldn't that basically require a "coasting" stop?

City driving would require conventional brakes that could add nothing but dust and heat.

244 posted on 01/01/2007 7:55:18 PM PST by Eaker (You were given the choice between war & dishonor. You chose dishonor & you will have war. -Churchill)
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To: Eaker
The motors act like generators when braking.

Wouldn't that basically require a "coasting" stop?

City driving would require conventional brakes that could add nothing but dust and heat.

An electric motor turned into a generator (under braking) can take a serious amount of horsepower to turn. Easily enough to lock up the tires if it has any amount of power as a motor at all (And I wouldn't own one that didn't). You can get more braking than you need, especially at around town speeds.

This is one of the reasons why a prius gets better mpg in the city than on the highway.

249 posted on 01/01/2007 8:07:11 PM PST by UNGN (I've been here since '98 but had nothing to say until now)
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To: Eaker

--Wouldn't that basically require a "coasting" stop? City driving would require conventional brakes that could add nothing but dust and heat.--

Electrical motors can generate tremendous torque; similarly, electrical generators can require tremendous torque to turn. This torque can be used to slow the car in a manner similar to friction brakes.


250 posted on 01/01/2007 8:12:02 PM PST by UpAllNight
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