file this one under "interesting":

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=6048

Any colorful commentary on this from you guys? Sounds pretty wild to me! From the blurb:

Quote :

"ohn Kessels at the University of Eindhoven says he has written code that makes cars more efficient by controlling a vehicle's battery charging system. In conventional car designs, batteries are charged using a device called a dynamo. Employing software to dynamically switch the device on and off can have a significant impact on mileage, according to the professor. Kessels, who has been working with automaker Ford to increase engine efficiency, claims the software patch and an inexpensive cable could be added to any car with an onboard computer and produce fuel savings in the range of 2.6%. The technique is already being used commercially in many hybrid vehicles."

2.6% isn't negligible, but nothing incredible... but i'd take it!

Thoughts?

2/12/2007 7:08:10 PM

eliminating belt-driven accessories improves fuel efficiency? what is this strange new breed of rocket science?

2/13/2007 8:43:43 AM

yeah same concept as turning off the a/c to get better mileage

2/13/2007 9:10:52 AM

eliminate the belt completely then use a gerbil

2/13/2007 9:15:45 AM

just do it flintstone style. cut out your floor boards and use your feet. I think i'm going to do it in the Evo.

2/13/2007 10:51:20 AM