Since most of the topics are revolving around energy, I thought I'd post this item. It's a retrofit kit to convert your gas car to a hybrid. The theory is "based on the observation that only 10-15 horsepower is required to propel a compact or mid-size automobile along a level road at a steady 60-70 mph. leading to the conclusion that this relatively small amount of electric power would be able to cope with 70-85% of normal driving, only aided by the combustion engine during start up and when extra energy is required for acceleration and hill climbing."

http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/index.html

The downside is that you have to have an ugly mounting system that looks like a choo choo train from the 1800s (and have to fork over $4,500).

Now that I'm feeling good about my green contribution to this forum, I'm going to further my efforts to save the environment by reducing my carbon footprint by holding my breath for 5 minutes. No CO2 will be exhaled during this time. Then again, if I die will I generate any CO2? Is H2N·(CH2)5·NH2 a greenhouse gas? Sorry, morbid sense of humor. Environmentalism brings it out in me.

Phillip

Thanks! I really love the concept and where these can appropriately work, ie, heavy traffic commute.

I agree that the current contraption is ugly looking, but I think it can be improved. They need to hire a bling-bling artist to turn it into a wonderful ornament instead of a straight forward functioning engineering linkage devoid of any kind of artistry. Then they can market it off as the latest fad of car bling with practical functionality.