OK, so this doesn?t have anything to do with the NEC, but another thread about DC motors and a heated debate between my Fathers-in-law got me thinking about it. Basically I take the stance a true electric car will never be practical unless there is a major leap, and I do mean a major leap in battery technology.
So here is the debate: What do you think it would take to make an electric car practical to replace an internal combustion engine. I have my list of objectives, and by today?s technology, it is not possible now or in the foreseeable future
Top speed: At least 90-mph
Range: 300 to 400 miles on a single charge.
Passengers: at least 4 with reasonable cargo capacity like a trunk.
Size: At least a compact on the lines of a Honda Civic.
Fuel cost per mile: Comparable to gas assuming $2.50 per gallon @ 20 MPG or $.125 per mile.
I won?t give all my thoughts away just yet, but if you crunch some numbers, see what you come up with and see if you think it is even remotely possible. Here is a short list of things to consider.
Horsepower to KW. My Honda Civic has a 4-cylinder 140-hp engine
Weight of the vehicle including the fuel source
Cost of electricity. Hint I used $.13 per KWH.
Battery capacity needed.
Weight of the batteries, use any technology you want. Hint; Lithium Ion has the highest density ratio.
So if you have nothing better to do, give it a try, and post back with your thoughts. Have fun, and keep it friendly and on subject. No politics, tree-hugers, or religion allowed in discussion.
Dereck
So here is the debate: What do you think it would take to make an electric car practical to replace an internal combustion engine. I have my list of objectives, and by today?s technology, it is not possible now or in the foreseeable future
Top speed: At least 90-mph
Range: 300 to 400 miles on a single charge.
Passengers: at least 4 with reasonable cargo capacity like a trunk.
Size: At least a compact on the lines of a Honda Civic.
Fuel cost per mile: Comparable to gas assuming $2.50 per gallon @ 20 MPG or $.125 per mile.
I won?t give all my thoughts away just yet, but if you crunch some numbers, see what you come up with and see if you think it is even remotely possible. Here is a short list of things to consider.
Horsepower to KW. My Honda Civic has a 4-cylinder 140-hp engine
Weight of the vehicle including the fuel source
Cost of electricity. Hint I used $.13 per KWH.
Battery capacity needed.
Weight of the batteries, use any technology you want. Hint; Lithium Ion has the highest density ratio.
So if you have nothing better to do, give it a try, and post back with your thoughts. Have fun, and keep it friendly and on subject. No politics, tree-hugers, or religion allowed in discussion.
Dereck