cucharared Loc: Texas, Colorado

Duh- you just described the Chevy Volt. That’s exactly what it did, but it also was a “plug-in” to charge those batteries and provide a few miles of travel before the small engine had to kick in and run the on-board generator. The Volt ran totally off the batteries - no mechanical connection between engine and the driving wheels.

Traditional hybrids can run off battery power for short distances but then the engine kicks on when more power is needed or when the battery is not enough. Hybrid engines are directly connected to the driving wheels and the batteries provide additional power as needed. Hybrids can be configured for power or for mileage, depending on the manufacture’s emphasis. “Plug-in” hybrids basically add more battery power and a built in charger for plugging into shore power, giving them far more range before the engine kicks on.

Ron

anotherview Loc: California

You have something here. This combination would extend the range of the e-car.

CeeJay Loc: Southeast PA

Bob, thats called a Hybrid. Bought my first one in 2007. Just about all the car makers have them today.

radiomantom Loc: Plymouth Indiana

Union Pacific is now trial using a all battery powered locomotive. Probably will fall by the wayside as a inefficient way to go I am sure.

CaltechNerd Loc: Whittier, CA, USA

There's a battery powered switching engine that's received very good reviews. Cheaper and less maintenance than diesel electric. And being used in a yard, charging is not a problem. We're far from being able to use batteries on other trains, probably never will.

radiomantom Loc: Plymouth Indiana

I could understand that being possible. The unit I read on was a large road unit. Can't see that happening.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I wonder what the reaction was when they started using diesel/electric instead of steam.