Ford car production ain't what it used to be

Presumably by creating an "air bearing", like the indentations
in golf balls are reputed to do. The circulating mass of air
moving along with the object is supposed to reduce frictional
losses overall.

Whether it works that way with the more irregular shape of of a
pickup tray is another matter.

John

 

Thanks. I guess if it creates a high enough pressure that it could
hold the other airflow in a better pattern. Maybe

 

The best way to decrease pickup turbulence would be to use a torneau
cover on the bed that starts from the top of the cab to the top of the
tailgate, like a military hummer, making the PU a fastback.

 

I don't want a Prius for the "Image" I want it for the electronic goodies
and minimal maintenance. The fact that it has one of the cleanest emissions
ratings is a nice bonus but I realize it wouldn't make a dent for me for 3
reasons: 1. I don't have a running car so I have to walk wherever I go for
now and any vehicle with an ICE (engine) would sort of be a step backwards
even if it is SULEV/AT-PZEV rated. 2. I live in southeast Iowa where most of
the population doesn't give a rat's ass about pollution and many either have
a carbureted vehicle that is out of tune, one that isn't running on all
cylinders, one that is burning oil, one that is leaking various fluids, or
one that has the "Check Engine" (MIL) either constantly on or on within a
few minutes of starting. 3. Iowa doesn't have vehicle inspections or
emissions testing.

Other than that I want it for the ability to draw up to 1KW from the 12V
battery continuously or up to 10KW (5-6KW is more realistic) from the
HV/hybrid/traction battery as long as the car is in Ready mode (started and
"running") and has gas in the tank. My house lost power for roughly 18
hours due to the ice storm here and having a Prius and an industrial UPS as
described here http://www.priups.com/ would have really come in handy.

 

but a good generator is about $18,000 cheaper, and will make that power
available in real world ac power that you can use without a very expensive
power inverter.

 

Driving your Generator to work might prove a bit difficult...

 

Exactly what I was thinking...