In regards to fly fishing in BC, our northern winters allow us time to take stock of what we have, replenish supplies, re-organize tackle boxes and plan for this year's fishing trips. If you are like me, you took your fishing gear out of your vehicle after your final trip and put it into hiding for next season. Let me tell you, next season is almost here!
These large battery packs take up a lot of room and are pretty heavy, which adversely affects the fuel economy and the storage space in most hybrid cars. These batteries get their power from regenerative braking and/or from the gas engine. Also, they are very expensive, costing thousands of dollars to replace. Which is why they are guaranteed for the life of the car (read you warranty, some states make automakers guarantee the battery for 100,000 miles).
The mating process between the two engines can be in series or in parallel. When the two powertrains are mated in series, only one of the motors controls the cars movement. The other one simply assists the first, dominant engine. This occurs most often in mild or assist hybrids. The Saturn Vue Green Line Belt Alternator System (BAS) is a good example. The concept vehicle named the Volt from GM is another good example of a series but cobalt ontario not a mild hybrid.
Okay, so we know we'd be sunk without our laptops and cell phones. But what about the car? Cars have batteries too. Perhaps you ride a Harley Davidson - not without a motorcycle battery! It's interesting to think where we'd be if the afore-mentioned "zapping episode" took place. We know that our forefathers coped without batteries but could we?
Obviously, ICE are powered by the gasoline you buy when you fill up at a gas station. The electric motor/generator is powered by a large (and by large, I mean large and heavy) Lithium battery stocks pack. Most hybrids on the road today have large Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery packs somewhere near the trunk, or under the seats. (Read about the Lexus Hybrid battery pack).
In case you are using new nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, remember you should not charge the battery for too long or it will overcharge it and end up shortening the life of the battery. However, it is important to charge and discharge the battery three times just like the Lithium mines Ontario-ion battery to ensure that it has a long a life.
Laptop computer uses: If you keep the battery in your laptop for everyday use, and power it from the wall socket, unplug the power every few days and let it run off the battery, as a battery at 40% capacity lasts longer than one at 100% capacity. if you don't travel with it, you should remove the laptop battery when on fixed power.
Of course, there will be Apps. Smart phones right now are all about the apps. You need to do a bit of search. This is necessary since the right apps will help you and nasty ones will just be a liability and will eat up your space. There are also paid and free apps so if you really want to make the most out of your smart phone use, check out the options and invest on good ones.