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A few thoughts on electric cars
I was about to convert the new n600 to electric again, until I had a few thoughts.
one gallon of gasoline (6 pounds) has about the same stored energy as 700 pounds of lead-acid batteries. They both contain enough energy to move a car between 30 and 50 miles. The downside of the batteries, however, is that all else being equal the same car will weigh 700 pounds more than it's gasoline equivilant. This kills efficiency even more.
While I would love ot be part of the solution and not part of the problem, I am not certain that the technology is really there right now. Well, that isn't true. The technology is there, but just not to retrofit a n600. Perhaps I will retrofit a 89-91 Civic hatchback instead, which can definately take the extra weight.
For the time being, however, I can see why people are reluctant to switch to eletric. The battery technology just sucks.
The one upside of switching to EV however is that once the car is all set up, you can easily switch to better batteries as the technology improves. it is much easier to switch to better, longer lasting (and lighter, I'm sure) batteries than it is to swap a motor, service a transmission, or even rotate tires.
If you are thinking of the long run, I think an electric car is the way to go. For the short run, however, I'm going to wait.
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