Hybrid Automobiles

The concept of a “hybrid” vehicle is nothing new. Submarines used diesel-electric powerplants in World War I, and diesel-electric locomotives appeared soon afterward. But modern hybrid automobiles provide greatly-improved gasoline mileage over most vehicles that are powered strictly by fossil fuels, and some offer extreme performance as well.

At-home tinkerers are also now modifying hybrid vehicles, much as hot-rodders have always found ways of improving their rides. Some have added the capability of “plugging in” the vehicle to charge extra banks of batteries when at home or work, thus allowing travel over longer distances before the internal combustion engine has to kick in. And, if you think about it, electric power obtained from utility companies is considerably less expensive than that generated by the car’s gasoline engine. Reportedly, through these and other modifications, such as the use of high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries, some of these tinkerers have achieved results of over 100 miles per gallon. Such modifications may not be cost-effective unless you drive a lot, but hot-rodders who’ve improved their vehicles’ acceleration haven’t ever seemed too concerned about how much that cost them to do.

The 640-horsepower MINI QED (from the Latin expression “quod erat demonstrandum" or, "that which was to be demonstrated") converted by English firm PML Flightlink (and which has no affiliation with BMW) proves that high performance and electrical efficiency can go hand-in-hand. With four times the power of a MINI Cooper S (itself a spirited ride) this is one hybrid conversion that provides Ferrari-like performance. An independent electric motor at each wheel means it has all-wheel drive, and its regenerative braking system is so powerful that its original brakes have been removed altogether. Last but not least, you can plug it in if you like, but even if you don’t, it’s said to get 80 miles per gallon using it as a hybrid. Not bad for a 640-horsepower vehicle!

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