How Big is a 400hp Electric Motor?
VIA Motors Hybrid Truck
One advantage that an electric motor has is that it is relatively small compared to a gasoline engine with the same capacity. Another adavantage is that because of the high torque you don’t need a gearbox. At the Detroit Autoshow this month VIA motors showed off its plug-in Hybrid trucks and the 11″x11″ 400hp electric motor that drives it. In fact the torque is so high that the VIA does need a gearbox to reduce it.
The electric motor weighs only 108 lbs and we were able to lift it up as you can see here. VIA motors will first take orders from fleets and other corporate entities before it will start selling to the general public.
In addition to the electric motor the VIA uses an electric alternator to charge the battery with the generator. This alternator is typically identical to the motor. Since this is an extended range plug in hybrid the gasoline engine is still present, so untill we can drive 300 miles purely on battery and won’t need the gasoline generator, the significant weight savings will only be in future models.
VIA Motors 400hp electric motor
Bob Lutz is on the board of VIA Motors. Bob was majorly involved in the production of the Volt which operates on a similar principle. So far the Volt has proven to be a complete success and other manufacturers are now jumping on the bandwagon with similar concepts. Already available across the country is the Fisker which is also an extended range plug-in Hybrid. In fact the Fisker also boasts 400hp of pure electric power!
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