In: Mechanical Engineering
Though the electric-gasoline engine allows better miles per gallon relative to a traditional gasoline engine, it is not without technological tradeoffs. Regarding the first electric-gasoline cars to market, much of the mpg achieved was due to styling not the ability to run on electricity, which from market surveys not as appealing as the styling of a sleeker vehicle body design. New and limited infrastructure for servicing these vehicles was created, which may have deterred buyer acceptance.
Question
What fundamental technical constraints are added when incorporating an electric-gas engine into a vehicle design?
Is the inventive concept itself diluted or enhanced by the embodiment required, especially in regards to vehicle styling?
What new business operations are needed to support the new engine design?
What will drive both acceptance and sales of this new type of vehicle?
Compare the technical constraints of the electric-gasoline engine to the conventional gasoline engine.