StarshipCapricorn User Forum

I'm a bit disappointed that Helena is apparently unaware that there are already any number of electric vehicles in production, many of which have been around for years in various roles. Odd that she should latch on to something that Ford are getting into somewhat belatedly. Ummmm, very odd.

I did say "apparently unaware".

I agree the batteries are currently the weak link in electric vehicles, but the motors are far from lack lustre in terms of power, torque and sheer performance. Range is an issue, but research has shown that the majority of vehicles only do quite low local mileages. Not many people, relatively speaking, do more than 50 - 60 miles a day, usually considerably fewer, and certainly well within the capability of the latest Lithium Iron battery packs.

Lavar's device, if suitable electrical output is what it achieves and if commercially successful, would obviously transform this situation, giving better than comparable range with the most economical fossil fueled engines with the benefit of no emissions and, equally vital, zero oxygen consumption. I also suspect the biggest and most lucrative market for Lavar's and similar power sources currently under development, plus the one that would benefit the environment most, would be the retrofitting of existing vehicles, rather than new-build, as this would get around the long wait for the former to be phased out over many years, polluting as they go. I assume these devices could also be scaled up for domestic and commercial use in lieu of centralized power stations.

Anyway, it may all be academic. First we have to deal with the fossil fuel and motor industries' vested interest in preventing such development...... they will not like electric vehicles. Not just because of the fuel issue, but also the lubricants of which far fewer will be required and the maintenance of which far less will be required.

As an aside and little to do with this discussion, it always amazes me that the environmentalists make a huge deal about the exhaust emissions of vehicles and aircraft, less often of ships and locomotives, though no less significant, but one rarely hears them becoming heated about the consumption of oxygen that ALL internal and external combustion engines and power plants, including aviation jets and turbines, gulp up in humongous quantities. Considering that we live in a sealed bubble floating in a vacuum, it has always seemed extraordinary to me that we have condoned the incredible consumption of the very substance that keeps us and virtually all living organisms alive and healthy. We are getting through the stuff faster than it is being replaced, hence the significant drop in oxygen levels in our atmosphere and, one suspects, the increase in respiratory illness, cancers etc. etc.

However, if we believe what is about to happen to us - why else are we on this forum? - this whole subject is, once again, completely academic, I'd have thought....

Sorry, I seem to have "gone off on one" and hijacked the thread to boot; my apologies.

Last edited by Quercus (2009-05-14 20:58:31)