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Comment by ericHosick | Hacker News Reader

> Never plug in - Turbine charges batteries automatically while driving.

How does that work?

It is quite common in railways.

A diesel-electric transmission system includes a diesel engine connected to an electrical generator, creating electricity that powers electric traction motors. No clutch is required. It also is able to supply full torque at 0 RPM. Diesel-electric systems are also used in submarines and surface ships and some land vehicles.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel-electric_transmission

I was always fascinated by locomotive engines, particularly due to the engine and drive train combination. The statement above regarding full torque at 0 RPM is rather thought provoking if you've never looked at these systems. Imagine solving how to couple a mechanical transmission to thousands of ft-lbs of torque and the problem becomes very interesting which is why the decoupling is pretty cool. Yes, yes, there are mechanical transmission locomotives, but they are generally for light work comparatively.

For reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_locomotive#Transmission...

There's conventional liquid fuel on board -- gasoline, or diesel, or compressed natural gas -- that allows a turbine to run, which in turn drives a generator, which in turn charges the batteries.

Same thing as the hybrid cars with an internal combustion engine that recharge the batteries, but just in a better, more efficient way.

Standby for some serious noise complaints.

Eh? I'd be surprised if the proposed gas turbine was THAT loud. We're not talking afterburning turbofans from a fighter jet, or anything.

Counterpoint: the tiny turbine Jay Leno has in his motorcycle is tremendously louder than even the loudest semi truck.

Fair. It depends on the output of the turbine they might use. Various articles about Jay Leno's EcoJet car also says that they were looking into ways to add an "intake" muffler, also citing that the Chrysler turbine car seemed to manage to quell the intake noise.

Totally valid concern, but I'm sure they'd be able to manage to quiet it down enough. If it's quieter under braking than typical semis that use jakebraking, it could be a win.

Compared to the din of compression braking on diesel trucks? This will be relatively silent.

Same setup as the Volt fourwheeler, different turbine fuel, no plugging in.

It is powered by CNG

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