On 9 Jan 2007 10:28:29 -0800, wrote in
. com:

Actually, aircraft (specifically motor gliders) are far ahead!

See: http://www.nadler.com/public/Antares.html

It might take a little while before the power efficiency of batteries
equals the needs of a useful airplane...

Kirk
66

Yes. I've been following the evolution of the Antares 20E 20-meter
Electric Self-Launch Motor-Glider over the years. The Antares 20E
uses SAFT VL41M Li-Ion cells, much like the Tesla roadster. But
lithium-polymer batteries are superior.

There is little doubt, that electric drive vehicles will supplant
internal combustion engines just as electric motors replaced steam
powered locomotives. It's just a matter of time.

Unfortunately, it seems that most innovative, breakthrough technology
seems to occur outside the US these days:
http://www.gizmag.com/go/6104/1/
http://www.pmlflightlink.com/archive/news_mini.html