Going Electric?

[jwfchase]

I can't figure out why more vehicles don't use a diesel/electric, or a boiler/ electric. Most of what is produced in an internal comb. engine is heat energy instead of mechanical energy-- so why not build an engine where heat is the intended product to drive a generator for an electric motor...

Probably comes back to physics though...

[FalcoColumbarius]

Top Gear had a good episode regarding the Prius

That is a good bit about the Prius. Hard to find a TopGear episode that's not worth watching.
But I don't consider the Prius an electric car. It's a hybrid. ....

That particular vid is probably not the best choice for this thread. The point I wanted to promulgate is the amount of pollution that is derived from creating the batteries for electric cars (or hybrids), beginning with the tailings from the nickle mines and also considering where these batteries go once their ten to fifteen year term is up?

Falco.

[Mr. Flibble]

Top Gear had a good episode regarding the Prius

That is a good bit about the Prius. Hard to find a TopGear episode that's not worth watching.
But I don't consider the Prius an electric car. It's a hybrid. ....

That particular vid is probably not the best choice for this thread. The point I wanted to promulgate is the amount of pollution that is derived from creating the batteries for electric cars (or hybrids), beginning with the tailings from the nickle mines and also considering where these batteries go once their ten to fifteen year term is up?

Falco.

Actually, the batteries can be recycled. Also, the argument that it takes less energy/pollution to build and run a Hummer than a Prius has been shown to be false. In general electric cars are good for the environment, and better than gas or diesel vehicles of the same.

[Mr. Flibble]

I can't figure out why more vehicles don't use a diesel/electric, or a boiler/ electric. Most of what is produced in an internal comb. engine is heat energy instead of mechanical energy-- so why not build an engine where heat is the intended product to drive a generator for an electric motor...

Probably comes back to physics though...

Yup, it comes back to physics. All energy is dissipated as heat. IIRC, a gas engine produces 20% as power and 80%.

The heat comes from tyres, wind resistance, brakes etc, but mostly the heat of running the engine.

Obviously the heat has to be moved away to prevent overheat, hence a radiator. Now, to reclaim heat from the radiator with a boiler would require more pipes and mass to convert that heat to power. This mass is fine if you have a big generating steam station, but not if you have to tow it with your engine.... That adds to the mass, meaning you burn more fuel which means you use more gas and make more heat......

You see where this is going...

[Feds]

The point I wanted to promulgate

...is bunk. And as bunk it has been repeatedly, thoroughly, and comprehensively debunked.

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_an ... ybrid.html

[Jordan]

Here is some inspiration: http://www.steamwhistle.ca/retroelectro/

I wish they converted the old ford van (http://www.steamwhistle.ca/ourbeer/steammachine.php)

There are a few blogs floating around with VW bus electric conversions. The one advantage of a van is the capability of filling the back with batteries with a false floor to keep some interior space.

[jwfchase]

Here is some inspiration: http://www.steamwhistle.ca/retroelectro/

I wish they converted the old ford van (http://www.steamwhistle.ca/ourbeer/steammachine.php)

There are a few blogs floating around with VW bus electric conversions. The one advantage of a van is the capability of filling the back with batteries with a false floor to keep some interior space.

The batteries themselves are going to be the problem with electric cars using current (pun NOT intended) technology-- the electric vehicle may be saving on emissions, but think of all those nasty toxics in the batteries-- with a very limited lifespan!

[glenn]

I don't think most people realize that the only real advantage most hybrids have is regenerative braking. All the rest of the technology - the on/off starts, and the aerodynamics can be applied to any car. I know I'm oversimplifying the technology, but if you want to do some good park your car and walk more or bike more. It's good for you too.

[jwfchase]

... but if you want to do some good park your car and walk more or bike more. It's good for you too.

And there's the last word.

[Feds]

The batteries themselves are going to be the problem with electric cars using current (pun NOT intended) technology-- the electric vehicle may be saving on emissions, but think of all those nasty toxics in the batteries-- with a very limited lifespan!

Please tell me more about the limited lifespan. The first gen prius is as old as our delicas, and uses the lowest tech batteries available. There hasn't been a major, en-mass failure of the batteries. There are stories of failed batteries, but they are less frequent than the stories of failed 4D56T's and 4M40's. There are 300,000 mile prius's still on the road, and Consumer Reports showed a 200,000 mile prius performing exactly the same as a 2,000 mile prius.

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/20 ... forms.html

The only issue with electric vehicles is charging time. Even if range sticks at 150 miles, if you could charge it back up in under 5 minutes, and the charging infrastructure was there (i.e., a fast charge station every 100 miles or so), there would be no monetary, performance, or environmental reason not to own an EV.

There may be nasty toxics in the batteries, but there are more in your diesel tank right now. At the end-of-life, the batteries are recycled. You're spitting acids and carcinogens into the air, water, and earth every km you drive.

Sorry if I come off aggressive, I just hope people take the opportunity to learn the facts about EV's, and stop regurgitating opinions that have long since been disproved.

[Mr. Flibble]

How to convert a tercel to electic:

http://www.evalbum.com/1597

[FalcoColumbarius]

The batteries themselves are going to be the problem with electric cars using current (pun NOT intended) technology-- the electric vehicle may be saving on emissions, but think of all those nasty toxics in the batteries-- with a very limited lifespan!

Please tell me more about the limited lifespan. The first gen prius is as old as our delicas, and uses the lowest tech batteries available. There hasn't been a major, en-mass failure of the batteries. There are stories of failed batteries, but they are less frequent than the stories of failed 4D56T's and 4M40's. There are 300,000 mile prius's still on the road, and Consumer Reports showed a 200,000 mile prius performing exactly the same as a 2,000 mile prius. ....

I read 18 years for the Prius ~ but either way, they're going to fail at one point, what then? How much of the battery is recycled? Just a thought.

Falco.

P.S.: Of course every automobile has a battery (or two) that has to be disposed of ~ I'm just wondering if multiplying the production of big batteries is such a good idea. I would hate to see battery acid getting into our water, for instance... FC.

[Mr. Flibble]

The batteries themselves are going to be the problem with electric cars using current (pun NOT intended) technology-- the electric vehicle may be saving on emissions, but think of all those nasty toxics in the batteries-- with a very limited lifespan!

Please tell me more about the limited lifespan. The first gen prius is as old as our delicas, and uses the lowest tech batteries available. There hasn't been a major, en-mass failure of the batteries. There are stories of failed batteries, but they are less frequent than the stories of failed 4D56T's and 4M40's. There are 300,000 mile prius's still on the road, and Consumer Reports showed a 200,000 mile prius performing exactly the same as a 2,000 mile prius. ....

I read 18 years for the Prius ~ but either way, they're going to fail at one point, what then? How much of the battery is recycled? Just a thought.

Falco.

P.S.: Of course every automobile has a battery (or two) that has to be disposed of ~ I'm just wondering if multiplying the production of big batteries is such a good idea. I would hate to see battery acid getting into our water, for instance... FC.

You get more acid on the whole from acid rain caused by tailpipe emissions. Also, not all battery acid is liquid. "Battery Acid" generally refers to the acid in wet cell batteries that you have in lead-acid batteries used to start your delica. These are even worse for having lead in them.

NiMH batteries are the rechargeable ones you find in AA and AAA size and use for stuff around the house. These are the same ones you find in a Prius.

[nxski]

One word...HYDROGEN! Another Top Gear episode about the Honda Clarity covers this one quite well I think.

[FalcoColumbarius]

One word...HYDROGEN! Another Top Gear episode about the Honda Clarity covers this one quite well I think.

Two words...



Falco.