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From 1979 - "Ask Hank, He Knows, Jan/Feb 1980 Elementary Electronics"

What an Outlet

My friend's father invested in a new electric car that he says "Detroit" is trying to suppress. It's a small car that can range up to 150 miles from home and return, and recharge in five minutes due to its very unique battery system. Isn't it a crime how new energy saving systems are being shot down? -L.A., Westland, WI

If all that you say about the car is true, then think of this: assume the car's motor is rated at 40 horse power -remember, you said a small car. Assume it is run at 50 mph for the full range of the car (300 miles.) In six hours of driving, the car uses up 11,040 watt hours of energy. To replace their energy in five minutes would require an AC outlet at your home that can deliver about 92 ampere hours or approximately 1100 amperes for 5 minutes. Just imagine the size of your house wiring. Remember, when charging a battery, you must replace very kilowatt hour of energy that was used. Also, I did not get into the matter of efficiency and heat in the battery system. A very high current charge produces excessive heat -the battery may even glow! That's not too good for the battery. Look again into the facts, you may have your information jumbled.