economics of saturation 1333

On Wednesday 02 March 2005 10:01 Peter Kšhlmann

Thanks Peter. I hate to drift off topic like this, and apologies to anybody that it offends. I wonder if any of you guys have any links to any of this, or to groups where it's discussed?

It seems to me that the Battery Powered Car ought not now be too far away. It relies on (imo) 2 things, better batteries, and a better source of electricity. As I see it, if we are going to reduce pollution significantly, and our reliance on oil, electric cars would be a major step, but NOT if the batteries are charged from mains electricity, generated by burning coal-oil! If we could do it from sunshine....wow! (I suppose windmills are also worth a look? Here, we tend to have wind when we don't have sun!)

From what you folks were saying, we might be looking at 30% efficiency in solar cells? Coupled with the current trend (e.g. SION) in batteries, I get the impression that the concept might not be stupid. Expensive obviously, but the economies of scale have yet to kick in.

As for performance, I'd be optimistic, given light, high capacity batteries. The electric car seems (to me) to have a lot going for it. - say 4 motors, one-wheel giving 4WD - fantastic acceleration in short bursts. - re-charge-on-braking (efficient) - computer control for anti-skid etc. - no transmission chain! - 2-pedal control - no fuel used idling - no moving parts - motors built into wheels. - fantastic reliability - so clean and vibration-free you wouldn't believe it!

Batteries are still heavy, I grant, but when you swap electric motors for engine, eliminate the transmission-chain, starter motor, exhaust, starter battery and alternator, engine mounts, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel tank and contents..... one starts to wonder!

As I say, any links anybody, on related subjects?

Bill