Re: electric car dieing?

[Steve Stegmann <stegmann@domain.elided>]

Hondas message about killing the battery powered car is no surprise to
anyone.  This is a classic bad idea which has no chance of success.  And
the reason is Ta! Da!!1!!  Batteries don't store usefull amounts of power
for this kind of usage.  I've been preaching thhis for years and nobody
will listen.  This is very sensible.

Even the majestic CA air resources board, source of all knowledge about
engineering has changed their rules.

Now, fuel cells are probably possible.  But the cost is high and the PITA
quotient is too high.  

The second idea.  Using a small gas or diesel engine running at constant
speed driving through an electric transmission.  See diesel railroad
locomotive may reduce emissions a bit.  But I doubt it will be enough.
However if there are a group of people willing to ride in a small light
uncomfortable, expensive vehicle with few amenities maybe they can sell
it.

The whole key to emission reduction, is reduce the weight and speed of the
vehicle so that it burns less gas.  There ain't no Fish Carburetor to
magically give cars 150 mpg, in spite of the evening new.

These vehicles will evlolve to motorcycles with a skin (probably 4 wheels
for the general public) to provide some good aerodynamics.  Aero
performance of a motorcycle is **way** worse than a Scout, but the frontal
area is small to make up for it.

Of course a vehicle like this is pretty unsafe, even if all the other
vehicles on the road are the same weight (unlikely).  You won't be able to
afford any protective structure. 

I don't expect much change until there is some fuel utilization
breakthrough.  Something serious!

Steve
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Steven A. Stegmann
     _/_/_/    _/      _/_/_/ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use
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