Quote:
Originally Posted by stealthn
I’m confused, how do they use their battery now?
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I think that is a good question. My understanding is that the objective is too charge and mostly deplete the battery once each lap. The battery is not only charged by the brakes, it is used to reverse power the engine during braking and receiving a charge in return. So, IOW, enhanced engine braking to the rear wheels.
It has to be complicated to the point that few understand the whole process. Maybe Capt. Ahab, but not me.
If they were to reprogram the battery power system it would seem possible to hold back some of that 160 HP boost (what I read) and use it not automatically, but intentionally at points where the driver wishes an extra boost. I guess that comes at a cost to the overall boost each lap or more battery capacity divided between what type of boost.
If the rumor above about hydrogen powered engines proves to be true, the battery as we know it today may be eliminated thusly reducing the complexity of the powertrain.
I'm all for that.