honda0105

Champion Author
Tallahassee
Posts:15,972 Points:1,247,150 Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Feb 8, 2012 5:04:44 AM
jr: you're right, not a lot of mainstreaming yet, but then ICE took about 30 years to take off.
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jrsva

Champion Author
Virginia
Posts:7,777 Points:1,251,175 Joined:Jan 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 11:06:10 AM
EVs are not yet ready for prime time but all manner of tinkering and innovations will one day get them there. Still, not much progress has been made until the electricity for recharging is all solar generated.
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joseph000

Champion Author
Houston
Posts:1,063 Points:205,665 Joined:May 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 9:21:40 AM
While a creative solution for this guy, it's no practical solution for us.
For now, until we get better batteries, EVs are only good for short trip drivers, commuting, second vehicles, etc. Hey, they are great for that, but if you own an EV and need to go on a long trip, rent a regular car for that.
But hey, if you can use an EV 350 days a year, and only rent cars a few days a year, that's way better!
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wild3bill

Champion Author
New York
Posts:2,191 Points:1,501,525 Joined:Nov 2005
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Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 7:33:38 AM
Turn a Leaf into a Volt ;-}
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tomok

Champion Author
Portland
Posts:26,058 Points:1,983,460 Joined:Aug 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 2:29:29 AM
How one inventor wants to boost EVs with a towable turbine propane-powered Capstone turbine engine that spins at 100,000 rpm, has only one moving part and can help electric vehicle owners get around the lack of quick-charging stations. *Install the turbine in the vehicle to produce electricity for the EV and Inbred batteries. Turbines can be made very small, so the generating ability does not take up too much room and no trailer is needed. If that French guy can fly with four turbines on his wing, an EV and Inbred can use one to generate electricity and have room for a special turbine fuel storage tank too. EV’s and Inbreds need a much longer driving/battery range, a different kind of ‘quick charge’ battery or charged battery swap, and a reasonable battery replacement price when that battery finally dies. *Develop an EV battery pack that does not overheat with operation of the vehicle, when charging or in long term storage. Produce and ‘drive’ vehicles with high MPG, are very reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. The price of fuel at the pump is too high! 12/22/2012!
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leekee

Veteran Author
Kansas
Posts:389 Points:179,035 Joined:Aug 2004
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:25:30 PM
i dont think so...
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katmandue

Champion Author
Detroit
Posts:6,283 Points:1,781,945 Joined:Jul 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:21:38 PM
It is a waste of money
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heartbroken2010

Champion Author
Ottawa
Posts:2,512 Points:535,505 Joined:Aug 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:21:31 PM
would not bet on a timeline for everyone to be driving an EV , good thing EV's are, too bad you cant go very far on a single charge yet.
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Focus2

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:6,722 Points:1,704,600 Joined:Mar 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:21:06 PM
The Leaf is just too much money up front! I sat in one and talked with the dealer, but saving money with my limited driving not possible.
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mrbee

Champion Author
Little Rock
Posts:1,966 Points:2,106,000 Joined:Oct 2005
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:20:11 PM
No EV for me.
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frostyWV

Champion Author
West Virginia
Posts:1,561 Points:352,775 Joined:May 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:18:25 PM
time will tell.
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tedjm1

Champion Author
New York
Posts:4,075 Points:495,490 Joined:Dec 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:17:46 PM
Weird, but is it workable?
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min_fuel

Champion Author
Philadelphia
Posts:1,823 Points:655,580 Joined:Jan 2008
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:17:24 PM
Gee, I don't know. Makes you wonder?
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Colts13

All-Star Author
Indiana
Posts:660 Points:256,395 Joined:Mar 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:17:23 PM
ok
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pgerassi

Champion Author
Milwaukee
Posts:9,054 Points:1,770,610 Joined:Apr 2007
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:16:10 PM
Why tow it? Build the tiny gas turbine into the car as the sustainer (battery charger (serial hybrid)). Its got to be cheaper, cleaner and easier.
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txkrb

All-Star Author
Texas
Posts:860 Points:314,705 Joined:May 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:15:29 PM
From article "Our culture is based on cars, so that's not going away. But when petroleum becomes scarce" For the most part the electricity to recharge the EVS comes from electricity generated from either petroleum products or coal I have wondered how do they heat EV in the winter, electric heater coils use a lot of energy Do the electric motors produce a significant amount of heat? I understand in the Prius the gas engine produces the heat in the winter If it is very cold out the gas engine would have to run a significant amount of time during a 5-10 mile commute, eliminating much of the fuel savings
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must87searcher

Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:7,169 Points:1,419,675 Joined:Apr 2008
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:15:12 PM
Here is someone who is does carry the idea for advancement.
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MotoDad

Veteran Author
Phoenix
Posts:261 Points:515,745 Joined:Sep 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:15:03 PM
I would drive one.
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mikaye

Champion Author
Cleveland
Posts:2,250 Points:550,425 Joined:Jun 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:14:10 PM
as soon as ev are popular, prices will rise and road usage taxes will be added (some states are already proposing adding a counter to charge cars for how many miles traveled, which will stop incentives to drive evs)
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bluegrasser1

Champion Author
Richmond
Posts:13,135 Points:2,255,145 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:13:25 PM
ok
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TerryLee

Champion Author
Ohio
Posts:14,295 Points:2,724,225 Joined:Mar 2004
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:11:53 PM
Sounds good on paper give it a try and we'll see
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Blue_Cruzer

Champion Author
Lexington
Posts:5,687 Points:1,307,555 Joined:Mar 2007
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:11:26 PM
Sounds like a winner.
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tampacrvdriver

Champion Author
Tampa
Posts:1,721 Points:360,400 Joined:May 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:08:51 PM
Interesting.
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carpenter4u

Champion Author
Virginia
Posts:1,207 Points:285,440 Joined:Jul 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:08:38 PM
probably won't happen in the next 35 years
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Dodge_Me

Champion Author
Atlanta
Posts:1,111 Points:236,650 Joined:Mar 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:03:58 PM
Thats so cool, to have a turbine to recharge, love it
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umitb

Champion Author
Indianapolis
Posts:1,868 Points:494,185 Joined:Apr 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:02:04 PM
ok
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defiancegasman

Champion Author
Ohio
Posts:5,863 Points:1,073,530 Joined:May 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:00:32 PM
we still need a BETTER BATTERIES
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cimilluca1

Sophomore Author
New York
Posts:193 Points:158,175 Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:56:48 PM
It could be our future! Buckle up and hold on!
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PoohMcGoo

Champion Author
South Carolina
Posts:1,902 Points:477,805 Joined:Dec 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:53:30 PM
Good luck
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JesseJack52

All-Star Author
Virginia Beach
Posts:612 Points:124,640 Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:51:37 PM
YOU'VE GOTTA LOVE AMERICAN INGENUITY
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crazycow2332

All-Star Author
Nashville
Posts:931 Points:186,580 Joined:May 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:50:35 PM
ok
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gmcgas

Champion Author
Atlanta
Posts:3,556 Points:1,357,715 Joined:Mar 2004
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:50:24 PM
we'll see.
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sljbc475

Champion Author
Tucson
Posts:2,390 Points:510,325 Joined:Dec 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:50:00 PM
Make the vehicles hybrid versus all electric.
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fenster66

Champion Author
Pittsburgh
Posts:1,513 Points:312,940 Joined:May 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:48:31 PM
reliability and better prices are the key...
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mrreferee

All-Star Author
Savannah
Posts:652 Points:264,740 Joined:Jun 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:39:47 PM
well, it is not just price, which has to come down, but dependability to make folks desire them. otherwise, they are just "lawn Art"
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tippybuddy

Champion Author
Ontario
Posts:1,354 Points:181,785 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:37:09 PM
I don't know what kind of car to buy in this day and age...I can't afford any of the ones that are suppose to be better...I'll just stick with my Toyota Van...for the amount of driving I do it's all I need..
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CptnCanada

Champion Author
Saskatoon
Posts:5,513 Points:709,700 Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:35:45 PM
E=MC2... the energy to tow it will be more than it produces
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sit

Champion Author
Cleveland
Posts:3,415 Points:1,574,140 Joined:Feb 2006
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:35:43 PM
Hmmm
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sillywagon

Champion Author
New York
Posts:11,725 Points:1,080,370 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:33:37 PM
Does Sadow know that propane is a crude oil byproduct?
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granitestater

Champion Author
New Hampshire
Posts:6,867 Points:1,100,895 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:31:07 PM
This guy has sniffed too much battery acid today...
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idigau22

Champion Author
Washington
Posts:21,147 Points:2,907,635 Joined:Apr 2003
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:28:43 PM
I luv my big 4x4 truck!!
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goodbuy

Champion Author
Michigan
Posts:6,020 Points:1,095,045 Joined:May 2005
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:27:54 PM
Just do it.
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Thomtec

All-Star Author
Nashville
Posts:713 Points:251,445 Joined:May 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:27:26 PM
Inventions need to become affordable innovations.
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fuelsaverMN

Champion Author
Twin Cities
Posts:1,948 Points:406,675 Joined:Mar 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:27:02 PM
What is the point in that.
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fuelsaverMN

Champion Author
Twin Cities
Posts:1,948 Points:406,675 Joined:Mar 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:26:19 PM
I would never buy an electric car.
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72_Monte

Champion Author
Twin Cities
Posts:5,963 Points:1,636,275 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:26:10 PM
Kinda like pulling around a tank of extra gas.
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ccf_jeff

Champion Author
St. Louis
Posts:13,260 Points:2,203,735 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:25:36 PM
Kudos to Sadow!
That's the type of entrepreneurial spirit that made America great.
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radiorumor

Champion Author
Texas
Posts:1,059 Points:395,545 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:17:36 PM
I get exclent milage when a truck tows me
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pse91

All-Star Author
Calgary
Posts:617 Points:282,240 Joined:May 2011
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:17:24 PM
If they could develop a wind up car they could save the coal that fires electrical plants
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orcar

Champion Author
Boise
Posts:1,859 Points:523,835 Joined:Jun 2010
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Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:16:48 PM
If they get the range up the cars would interest me.
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