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![]() wrote in message ups.com... For a battery-powered car todays practical approach is to have a second engine for backup or as you suggest to generate electricity. When they start selling cars only powered by batteries I'm going to invest in a tow truck business. For aircraft the best use for batteries today is to start the engine. Lange has demonstrated what is possible with today's batteries/motors and while it provides an attractive self-launch the cost and range tradeoffs bring it back into perspective. I think this is a little pessimistic. Critics of the pure electric seem to focus on the "one-car does everything" strategy where it's easier to find faults. The "electrics don't equal engine powered cars" isn't the whole story. Americans, at least, seem to have developed a another strategy for dealing with fuel prices that spike every summer. They own an old, cheap econobox they dust off when gas prices exceed $3. They drive their SUV's only when they need the capacity. This 2-car strategy works for pure electrics (EV's) too. Survey after survey notes that a huge majority of drivers do less than 40 miles a day which is easilly met with EV's. The current best range of 100 miles provides better than a 2:1 safety margin. Economically, the 2- car strategy can be implemented without owning two cars. Just RENT the SUV when you need it. Considering total ownership costs, this is a good deal. Looking at all the rental discounts available to me, I don't plan to replace my SUV. Interestingly, range alone isn't, in itself, a killer. If the battery pack can be recharged in less than 10 minutes, the limited range is less of a factor. The newest Lithium Phospate cells can reach 80% charge in one minute and full charge in 5 minutes. So, if you invest in a tow truck, get one with a diesel generator set. Most likely, popular parking areas will be equipped with charging outlets. I can imagine shopping centers with signs saying, "Shop here while you recharge, FREE!" I can also imagine employers getting tax incentives to provide their workers with access to a recharging station. My bets are on the pure electric vehicle. Bill Daniels |
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