Electric cars

[Meep-Meep]

Well....as stated the technology doesn't exist yet. That said, I think we should "DRILL BABY, DRILL" since that's what we have technology for NOW. But that's just me....and what the hell do I know?

I have always maintained the position that we know quite a bit about the stuff and have made huge improvements in all aspects of production and use. We should continue to run on the model of doing more with less - as in improved power output for given amount of fuel used.

 

[kb67mopar]

There are lots of things that could be done besides the electric car to reduce our emissions. I do however feel that imposing emissions limitations that actually increase the amount of fuel we burn is counter intuitive. If we burn more we aren't being cleaner....

That being said a small diesel would be a welcome addition over here in the united states. I watched a topgear episode in which a twin turbo v6 diesel jaguar drove 700 or so miles on one tank averaging around 50 mpg. This was not a prius sized car...4 door bohemouth with leather and luxury goodies weighing in over the normal midsized car....nobody can tell me that doesn't impart less emissions then something getting 25 mpg.

The other part that nobody seems to mention is turbocharging and supercharging. Both of which increase engine efficiency. Look at the new Ecoboost stuff from Ford (not a fan of Ford but a good example). They get over 20 mpg from a twin turbo v-6 and make v-8 hp and tq numbers. These systems are more costly and reduce profit margins for manufacturers so they shy away.

Next up is the diesel electric. Locomotives have used this technology for years and its quite efficient. It uses a steady running diesel turning a generator to power electric motors (which have AWESOME torque curves) and can also charge batteries if a car was set up in such a way. Again is a bit more costly but hasn't been explored in cars.

My personal opinion is that the EPA has forgot how to do math. I am all for clean air and greener environments. However, there is no reason whatsoever that we haven't seen the results of a test showing the difference between a vehicle that puts out more emissions yet burns less fuel and a vehicle that burns more fuel and puts out less emissions. At some point they balance out and I have a suspicion that burning less wins every time.

If I ever get around to it I am going to build a small diesel powered truck and prove it myself.

 

[Dennis H]

My opinion of electric cars may have been the reason for being banned from Moparts. You can guess what they are. I'll refrain.

 

[440roadrunner]

My opinion of electric cars may have been the reason for being banned from Moparts. You can guess what they are. I'll refrain.

Moparts doesn't seem to need much of a reason.......................

 

[Revhendo]

There are lots of things that could be done besides the electric car to reduce our emissions. I do however feel that imposing emissions limitations that actually increase the amount of fuel we burn is counter intuitive. If we burn more we aren't being cleaner....

That being said a small diesel would be a welcome addition over here in the united states. I watched a topgear episode in which a twin turbo v6 diesel jaguar drove 700 or so miles on one tank averaging around 50 mpg. This was not a prius sized car...4 door bohemouth with leather and luxury goodies weighing in over the normal midsized car....nobody can tell me that doesn't impart less emissions then something getting 25 mpg.

The other part that nobody seems to mention is turbocharging and supercharging. Both of which increase engine efficiency. Look at the new Ecoboost stuff from Ford (not a fan of Ford but a good example). They get over 20 mpg from a twin turbo v-6 and make v-8 hp and tq numbers. These systems are more costly and reduce profit margins for manufacturers so they shy away.

Next up is the diesel electric. Locomotives have used this technology for years and its quite efficient. It uses a steady running diesel turning a generator to power electric motors (which have AWESOME torque curves) and can also charge batteries if a car was set up in such a way. Again is a bit more costly but hasn't been explored in cars.

My personal opinion is that the EPA has forgot how to do math. I am all for clean air and greener environments. However, there is no reason whatsoever that we haven't seen the results of a test showing the difference between a vehicle that puts out more emissions yet burns less fuel and a vehicle that burns more fuel and puts out less emissions. At some point they balance out and I have a suspicion that burning less wins every time.

If I ever get around to it I am going to build a small diesel powered truck and prove it myself.

Jeep sells diesel Wranglers in Europe. Jeepers over here have been screaming for them for years and yet they won't bring 'em out here. Hmmmm.