On Tue, 10 Sep 2002 22:35:33 -0400, you wrote: >I know that at least one combination of dual input planetary >transmissions has bee patented as recently as the mid 1990s by Hughes. >Perhaps this is why the Prius has a novel approach with three inputs (as >I think I understand it)?
I think in a hybrid, the transmission is indeed a (the?) challenge, given the dual-input nature. I have heard one Toyota person speak about the challenges inherent to hybrids and how they were not easy to overcome and would not easily be overcome by newcomers (GM, Ford, etc.) Regrettably, I did not memorize the exact nature of the technology he was discussing. I think it was either traction or something along those lines. Anyway, the only thing I remember about Hughes is that I think GM ended up with two different technologies, some of which they kept in the EV1, some of which ended up with ECAR which I think became Enova. Perhaps it is the Hughes technology to which you refer.
