Re: electric car dieing?

[bearbvd@domain.elided (Greg Hermann)]

>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.
>
A practical ability to use regenerative braking is the ONE REAL improvement
to fuel efficiency that is worth looking at.

Electrified railroads can (and DO) do this on a practical, profitable
basis--a train going down a grade can actually put energy beck INTO the
wires for use by another train which is climbing a grade!

Regards, Greg