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On Oct 9, 2012, at 5:07 AM, "Gerry Archer" <arche...@embarqmail.com> wrote: > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Allan Streib" <str...@cs.indiana.edu> > To: "Tim C" <bb...@crone.us>; "Mercedes Discussion List" > <mercedes@okiebenz.com> > Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 7:48 AM > Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT: Fledging electric car market in turmoil > > >> Tim C <bb...@crone.us> writes: >> >>> I don't understand the animosity of this group toward electric cars. >> >> I don't speak for the group, but my problem is that their advocates >> oversell their advantages (yes, they have some) and undersell their >> disadvantages (they have many, and some will be difficult if not >> impossible to solve in the near term). The technology that companies >> like Tesla are creating I do find fascinating and inspiring, but not >> practical. >> >> I would not have any problem at all with an electric car that I could >> drive for hundreds of miles at a stretch and recharge in 5 minutes, and >> was priced comparable to an internal-combustion powered car. That would >> be practical. I can understand that some people find a short-range car >> practical, but I do not, and most people do not, and that's why they are >> not selling the way their manufacturers and advocates hoped. >> >> There are no silver bullets. >> >> I think that the best compromise is probably technology similar to the >> Volt: a series hybrid, with a simple (relatively) electric drivetrain >> and battery power for short range trips, backed up by an >> internal-combustion genset, practical, possible, and eventually >> affordable. The price is probably the main thing holding back the Volt >> right now. That and that it's made by GM. >> Allan Streib > > The problem with the Volt is that it "is" a series hybrid. If the electric > motive power system goes bad, the gasoline engine won't propel the car. That > may be the reason the Prius has become the most widely sold hybrid worldwide. > It also has direct mechanical drive, engine to wheels, with no need of the > electric propulsion system. > Note: This is my understanding. I haven't studied these cars thoroughly, so > if I am wrong please correct me. > Gerry > > _Uhm, I am under the impression that if any gas or diesel engine goes bad, > the car won't be propelled as well. At least, that has been my experience. > All of the hybrid and Volt electric motive power systems have a 100k/8 year > warranty. Very few gas/diesel cars offer the same. Regarding Allan's requirements for a 5 minute recharge time, last time I had to fill up with gas for the MB, I waited 10 minutes in line and then another 20 minutes at the pump and then had to wait in line another 10 minutes to get my receipt as the machine at the pump was inoperative. That was for gas..diesel fuel could easily double that time due to the limited number of pumps. My carport has a no waiting in line policy. John > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
