http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../512180348/1148


interesting article... the EPA actually does research?! cool...
but ya... its basically talking about a similar system as that which was used in the Ford Tonka Truck concept. When the truck starts braking, the wheels start cranking a pump that would pump fluid into a high pressure accumulator. Then when its time to go again, the fluid would be released, spinning the pump in the opposite direction and turning the wheels. I remember reading in popular science that this would give the truck a 600hp boost for about 30 seconds. So it looks like the EPA is working on a similar system. I dunno if the tonka was exactly the same though, it looks like the engine is actually only coupled to the wheels through this hydraulic system.
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I see that this is a slightly simpler set up than a gas electric hybrid. A high pressure tank is probably cheaper than high tech batteries, but probably not much lighter though. It also doesn't look like this kinda tech would lend itself so well to automatic engine shut off, which to me is one of the two big benefits of hybrids, alongside the brake regeneration. In fact, the only good thing Jeremy Clarkson had to say about the Prius was that he'd love to live in a town where all the cars were so quiet.
That is until he got run over by the car he didn't hear.

I remember reading that the hydraulic drive train was very loud on the other hand. I don't really see this taking off, except maybe in some big trucks, which would be cool. Its interesting technology nonetheless, and i'm happy the article gave ford credit for the tonka concept.

 

That is interesting, thanks for posting.

Couple that tech with an E85 fueled (105 octane), low-displacement (2.5 inline 6?), turboed with high-boost (to take advantage of 105 octane), fuel stratified injection(because its really sweet--would also 'help' the turbo), displacement on demand engine (to counter the hydraulic hybrid's highway disadvantage).........and it would be sweet....and fast....and get great gas mileage.

 

I think the best and only real feasible applicaiton for this technology would be heavy vehicles which do a lot of stop and go driving. The best examples are a city bus and a garbage truck.

 

Ya Garbage truck is a good call. I didn't think about it, but they really do a helluva lot of stop and go, much more than even a city bus. And those guys are big enough to take on big tanks and stuff.