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330 messages, Last post on Nov 13, 2008 at 12:13 PM
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Replying to: reddroverr (Apr 05, 2007 7:13 pm)
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Replying to: roland3 (Apr 09, 2007 4:05 am) But I agree..we better get our asses in gear with EV and PHEV..and coal gasification and better mileage cars..more diesels and bio diesel production (which I believe makes much more sense...and every other stone we can turn over. |
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Widespread use of PHEVs would help curb human-generated GW The widespread use of plug-in hybrid vehicles -- which could be driven up to 40 miles on electric power alone -- would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States without overloading the nation's power grid, according to a new study. The upbeat news for plug-ins, seen by many as the next big step in environmentally friendly automotive technology, came with two caveats. Achieving the maximum air quality improvements would require a significant cut in the pollution produced by electric utilities. It's also dependent on large-scale adoption of plug-in hybrids, which may not be in new-car showrooms for several years. Even so, backers of plug-in technology were heartened by the latest findings, which could help defuse the claim that the vehicles simply would transfer the source of air pollution from vehicle tailpipes to power station smokestacks. The study "finally gives an environmental stamp of approval" to plug-in hybrids, said Felix Kramer, founder of CalCars.org, an advocacy group in Palo Alto. "It shows that even with today's power grid, plug-in hybrids are a great idea." The current generation of hybrid cars and SUVs reduce fuel consumption by switching between a gasoline engine and a battery-powered system that is recharged during braking.
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Replying to: larsb (Jul 20, 2007 7:07 am) The Plug-in Hybrid that CalCars is experimenting with are not much better than a golf cart. You have to drive slow to keep the engine from running and using gas. The key: plug-in hybrids, which may not be in new-car showrooms for several years
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Replying to: gagrice (Jul 20, 2007 8:00 am) "The Plug-in Hybrid that CalCars is experimenting with are not much better than a golf cart." Because: Does a golf cart have a gas engine which then recharges the batteries like these Prius PHEVs? No. Does a golf cart have a max speed of somewhere north of 100 MPH like these Prius PHEVs? No. Does a golf cart have a range of 1000 miles like these Prius PHEVs? No. The "drive slow" issue to which you refer is just a requirement to go "battery only." There are a lot of people in the country who can and will gladly keep their speed under 40 MPH to use a full-fledged PHEV in their commute. If you have to drive for a little while 55 or more, unless your commute takes a freeway ramp directly to your parking spot, there will be times before and after freeway when you drive 40 MPH or below.
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Replying to: larsb (Jul 20, 2007 8:40 am) I think PHEV for mainstream buyer is just as far off as an all electric vehicle. Maybe next decade or the one after. |
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First off, A123 is the real deal. They are already providing battery packs with their proprietary Li-ion chemistry to Black & Decker/Dewalt for use in their power tools. In addition this is the company that GM has contracted to develop the battery pack for the Chevy Volt. They've recently announced plans to offer battery packs that can convert a hybrid into a PHEV in early 2008. This conversion will take less than two hours and cost less than $10k. These battery packs are projected to have a lifespan of 300,000 miles and provide 30-40 miles of all electric range. Given this company's credibility this is very big news.
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Replying to: tpe (Jul 26, 2007 5:04 pm) Sweet! |
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You crawl before you walk, you walk before you run. That's just the typical and natural progression. While I applaud everything about Tesla's vision I find myself thinking that they are trying to go from cradle to sprint. A recent story on CalCars website indicates that they may be adjusting this philosophy. We're all familiar with the Tesla Roadster. Obviously this car should be compared to other exotics, so no need to be practical. Tesla has longer term plans to produce a "Blue Star" sedan for around $30k. They are now stating that this vehicle may incorporate a small ICE to extend range, i.e. a PHEV serial hybrid. IMO, that's a good move. Here's a prediction. Tesla will be bought by Ford within the next 2 years. Don't fret. This will end up being a good thing for EV enthusiasts. |
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Replying to: tpe (Jul 27, 2007 5:03 pm) Last I read the all electric sedan was going to be close to 50k I blieve. If they can do a hybrid for 30k, that is more like it. They must have something going on with their battery technology, even if they are just plugging in masses of storebought cells. I just read that they are selling $40m worth of them to Think...formerly owned by Ford and since bankrupted and revived. http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_5956932?nclick_check=1 Toyota is going to test PHEV's and their driver's behavior. Unfortunately the cars are going to only have an all electric range of 7 miles. That is hardly an accurate test, given the worth of plugging in if your car already gets 50mph. I have to believe that they know this and this is just the start. They have been so successful with hybrids, it might be hard for them to admit that they have to scrap and go to a serial plug-in. we shall see. http://www.todayonline.com/articles/202787.asp
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