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Hybrid Vehicles Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicle Pros & Cons
1586 messages, Last post on Oct 23, 2009 at 4:19 PM
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Replying to: prm2000 (Aug 09, 2006 2:09 pm) http://www.teslatech.info/ttmagazine/v1n4/valone.htm BTW, this really is relevant when it comes to the discussion of EVs, pros and cons, because the biggest con involves the limitations of the power supply for the electric motors. |
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Replying to: tpe (Aug 09, 2006 9:50 am)  While reading the articles I kept feeling like there was a shoe hanging somewhere that was about to drop. I can understand not having faith in a technology if no-one can explain the downside (negative results). What I don't understand is why we haven't allowed any large scale testing that would sufficiently prove that the technology does or does not work. After all, the technology either does work or it doesn't. There shouldn't be so much controversy that people without any special interest would actively work against trying something new. It seems unconscionable that we must rely on other countries to lead the way when the US has the greater need and would reap the greatest benefits!
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Replying to: michael2003 (Aug 10, 2006 3:52 am)
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Replying to: tpe (Aug 10, 2006 4:12 am) |
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...already exists and is being used today in at least one form I can think of off the top of my head. It's called microwaves. And it's perfectly safe at low power levels, but tends to FRY things when jacked up to the levels needed to transmit power to run EVs.
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Replying to: rorr (Aug 10, 2006 5:42 am) Conversion of wireless energy into useful work will probably occur right after we can successfully convert a Kansas tornado into useful work. Money would probably be better spent on superconductors or something with a known history of limited success.
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Replying to: john500 (Aug 11, 2006 4:12 am) Agreed. We may as well wish for the ability to suck all the naturally occuring electrical energy out of the atmosphere for useful work.
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Replying to: rorr (Aug 11, 2006 5:17 am) This has nothing to do with microwaves or harnessing tornadoes. It may very well be bogus science. However, Tesla's credentials should afford him the benefit of further research. |
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Hopefully this should be an interesting topic. Here's an article from 2004 talking about Chinese plans to develop EVs: * http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6290392/ * Basically, the Chinese haven't much choice. They know there won't be enough oil to go around. * Right around that time, I remember noticing that some Chinese Lithium-Ion batteries were becoming available to EV hobbyists like me (I drive a very old electric car.) * Well, I just looked again this week, and these batteries have gotten really good, and really cheap. Check out this link: * http://www.everspring.net/product-battery.htm * If you look at the comparison chart on that page, they are claiming 1100 charge cycles (twice as good as the batteries in the Tesla) and a price/watt comparable to old-fashioned lead-acid batteries. That would put a 200-mile range battery pack somewhere around $5000. That is CHEAP, folks. 200 miles times 1100 charges means a 220,000 mile battery life! * As to where this is leading, I found this Chinese electric car, boasting 'breakthrough Chinese Lithium-ion technology' apparently about to be imported to the US: * http://www.milesautomotive.com/products_xs200.html * It gets 200 miles to the charge, 80mph top speed, and an MSRP of $28500. Once the importer gets his certification and crash testing paid for, it's my guess that this car can get VERY cheap. Other Chinese EVs will doubtless follow. * The next question: Is this even on Detroit's radar? Should it be?
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Replying to: apeweek (Aug 14, 2006 9:30 am) The claims by that battery manufacturer are almost too good to be true. I'm a big proponent of EVs so when I hear about these battery breakthroughs I very much want to believe them. The thing is I've been hearing these amazing claims for the past few years and have yet to see any real world applications. I'll remain optimistic but with some degree of skepticism until I see the actual product with its capabilities verified.
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