1997-08-06
The RUF Concept, a Dual-Mode Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Riding on Top of a Very Slender Guideway 972657
When a long term infrastructure decision is taken, it is extremely important that it is the right decision.
The AHS development has started out as a very ambitious plan with the goal to make the existing car concept use the existing highway lanes more efficiently.
The focus has now shifted towards an independent system of elevated roadways for modified cars.
The question is: What could be obtained if a special vehicle was developed for using a special guideway as well as driving on the normal streets.
The RUF concept is an answer to that question.
Using a special Dual-Mode Electric/Hybrid Vehicle “riding” on top of a very slender triangular guideway, makes it possible to obtain:
- Higher safety, because the lateral guidance is inherently stable and using a special rail brake.
- Higher throughput, because the vehicles can be closely coupled in trains.
- Lower pollution, because the vehicles are electric, fed from the rail or small batteries.
- Lower energy consumption, because the air resistance is lowered significantly in a train.
- Lower noise, because the motor is electric and the rail wheels are smooth wheels on a smooth rail.
- A lower cost per mile of guideway than for the roadway required for modified cars.
All it takes is to develop a new type of vehicle using a new combination of well proven technology.
Several transportation experts from the Los Angeles area have recommended that a feasibility study is made and a test track is created in order to demonstrate the RUF concept for the decision makers.
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