Replies

Maybe this will shut up the crowd thats been boo-hooing the electric car.

The Tesla Roadster concept is pretty well supported here. I like full size sedans (Electra, Olds 98, Imperial, Town Car), which will probably be the last recipients of electric technology, but if this technology can increase the range of the Tesla five fold, then itis completely viable ON ITS OWN TERMS, that is irrespective of whether it cuts pollution or reduces oil dependency. That is the key to success.

I do wonder how long it would take to recharge the nano-li-ion Tesla with a range of 800 miles.

That is the key to success.

You also have to add in the usable life of the batteries, too. If you're going to have to spend $15K in 5-8 years to replace them, there isn't much advantage.

We'll be seeing truly competitive, viable electric commuter cars within about 5 years, though....and the 0-60 mph performance will be "blistering".......

“I do wonder how long it would take to recharge the nano-li-ion Tesla with a range of 800 miles.”

It always comes down to time and money. If these nano-wire batteries cost a fortune, then it won’t matter that a 200lb battery can take you 800 miles. Or if they have to be charged slowly like tradional Li-Ion batteries, they are also a non-starter. I’d rather have a set of A123 or AltairNano batteries that can be recharged in 10 minutes, even if they do weigh 600lbs to go 200 miles.

An electric airplane, on the other hand, is a different story. Weight will be king in that application.

Toshiba claims they have a fast recharge Li-ion.

Toshiba to release fast charging battery

December 12, 2007

The company said its Super Charge ion Battery can recharge to 90 percent of full capacity in less than five minutes. Tokyo-based Toshiba (OTC: TOSBF) announced that it planned to release a fast charging lithium ion battery early next year for use in industrial vehicles and other applications.
The company said its Super Charge ion Battery can recharge to 90 percent of full capacity in less than five minutes.
Toshiba said it plans to make the battery a mainstay of its industrial systems and automotive products businesses, with the first system to be shipped in March 2008.
"The excellent performance of the SCiB will assure its successful application in industrial systems and in the electronic vehicles markets as a new energy solution," said Toshiharu Watanabe, CEO of Toshiba's Industrial Systems group.
"In terms of environmental impacts, the SCiB offers a long life that will reduce waste."
The company said its battery management system monitors voltage and temperature in order to protect the cells and balances the state of charge in each cell.
Toshiba expects its batteries to be used in battery-powered bicycles, motorcycles, automated guided vehicles, electric forklift trucks and construction machinery.
The company also said the new system is a promising candidate for emergency power sources, electric power regeneration in wind power systems and stabilization of electric power supply, with applications in hybrid and electric cars also planned.