pulse Report This Comment Date: June 20, 2024 10:08AM
I don't know what the US is like, but here the electric car market is booming;
The Chinese manufacturers like BYD/GWM/etc looks like they're eating every sale
that Tesla loses.
Anonomous Report This Comment Date: June 21, 2024 04:05AM
I haven't heard of either of those, but see some Polestars (apparently the most
efficient EVs, at one stage anyway). Teslas are apparently the least efficient,
due to draining the battery with 'features' other than driving. But let's not
forget the fires, the cost of replacing batteries, the damage to roads caused by
increased weight (and running through more tyres) and hydrogen was always going
to be a better choice.
Proof there's something suspect is the complete lack of new hydroelectric
schemes (new dams on rivers, not pumped hydro garbage), these are the most
efficient means we have of producing electricity - the lowest running cost. But
nothing's happening unless it will fail.
quasi Report This Comment Date: June 21, 2024 02:10PM
Hydroelectric is not practical where I live, the land is flat and streams slow
moving, but with Florida being called The Sunshine State and millions of acres
of open land in the interior it's prime territory for solar, and Florida Power
and Light has been taking advantage of that more and more. There is a community
called Babcock Ranch (you can Google it) about twenty miles from where I live
that that runs on solar with only the normal electric grid for back up, and it
is a model for the future - it faired fantastically well in the aftermath of
recent hurricane Ian. Whether one believes in human induced climate change or
not, fossil fuels are dirty and not sustainable so alternative, sustainable
electricity generating means should be further developed and perfected along
with electric vehicles. The idea of an affordable car for the drive to work and
back home every day, with lower maintenance than internal combustion engine
cars, and simply being able to plug in to recharge at home every night rather
than stopping for fuel every few days seems practical and desirable for billions
of people. The infrastructure needs improving and strengthening but when ICE
cars and trucks were developed the only infrastructure for them was poor, dirt
roads, it took decades for the smooth highways and fuel stations on every corner
to be developed. My dad was born in the time when horses were still the prime
source of transportation for local and some longer distance travel, born the
same month the Model T Ford entered production and eventually made cars
affordable and practical for most everyone in the U.S., and he basically grew up
as the automobiles and the infrastructure for them grew too; that shit didn't
happen overnight and neither will this but we've got a great head start, the
need for it, and better tech to get there with.
Anonomous Report This Comment Date: June 22, 2024 03:01AM
That's my comment above.
I am
always in favour of practical quasi.
Hydrogen fuel cells charge batteries and leave water as their waste. The means
of turning water from using hydrogen back into the gases (hydrogen and oxygen)
can be carried on a vehicle. Hydrogen is a more compact and lighter energy
storage and the tank doesn't need replacing like batteries. The objection I
received was that every efficient means of turning that water back into gas
(there are about 30 research projects) is no larger than a postage stamp (they
are also slow).
Well, find one that works if the car rolls, put 30 in a unit, 30 units in a car
and the battery slowly drains converting water back into gases - so every
vehicle should have solar panels too. As those units will be slow there should
be no problem with reliable use of the vehicle for the owner. I would also be
happy with a hybrid: a 1/3 - 1/2 litre petrol engine with a 5 litre fuel tank
to also charge the battery. An electric motor for each wheel and good to go.