While checking events on this date in history I was interested to see that on November 16th way back in 1901, a new speed record for electric cars was set during a race in New York, with the Riker Torpedo Racer. As you know, I am excited to switch over to electric cars (once they fall to within a price range I can afford). It is unfortunate that the electric cars from over a century ago did not gain a foothold in the market place. If they had, maybe the technology would be mature by now. But I don’t completely blame the oil industry. I know there is some evidence that government colluded with big business back in those days to promote the internal combustion engine, but it also made economic sense. Batteries were a relatively new technology and they were huge – weighing over 800 pounds in the early models over a century ago. The cars could not go very far. Cheap oil  (and gas) made a lot of sense because of the high energy density. People could travel a few hundred miles on a tank of gas, while they could only go a few miles on battery power. We might be better off, environmentally speaking, if electric vehicles had gained more support back in the day, but gas and internal combustion engines made a lot more economic sense for many decades.

I don’t think “gas-mobiles” make as much sense nowadays. They are still useful and our (American) society is very deeply reliant on them, but the fuel is getting more scarce, the prices are getting higher, and there is too much pollution (air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, etc…). Alternative energy and electric vehicles are certainly expensive as well, but I am happy to see them gaining a foothold.

T.27 City Car

Gordon Murray of Formula 1 fame is gaining a foothold in the EV market. His T.27 electric car recently won the Future Car Challenge. Obviously, this is not a car meant for long hauls with a family of 4 across the country, but it would be perfect for city driving. I only drive 3 miles to work, about 5 miles to major shopping centers, and 10 miles to the in-laws out in the country. This car would work for me as long as the price is right. The good news is that this car should be one of the cheaper models to come along, not only because it is small, but because Murray redesigned the manufacturing process as well. He started from scratch and developed a manufacturing process that should “beat the pants off” of traditional car manufacturing. As is typical, it will probably take years before this car is available in the U.S. Sigh.

Of course, I can’t write about electric car progress without also seeing what is going on in battery technology. Batteries are the ultimate key to making electric cars more practical for a larger percentage of the population. The most dramatic battery research as of late heralds from Northwestern University. Scientists have described new anode and cathode technology that could improve the power density and charge times of lithium ion batteries by an order of magnitude (10 times greater). This research is in very early stages, but is quite exciting. Increasing the energy parameters of lithium batteries by a factor of ten could really revolutionize the industry.

Toyota Prius C

Progress continues in small steps as well. Toyota has unveiled a new model of the Prius named ”Aqua”, or “Prius C”. It is approximately 7% more fuel efficient than past models. That doesn’t sound like much, but it is progress in the right direction. I’ll 7% more “energy” mileage any day.

Speaking of hybrids, electricity and gas are not the only game in town. UPS and Chrysler are now experimenting with hydraulic hybrid vehicles. The hydraulics come into play during regenerative breaking. Instead of charging a battery through braking, a fluid is compressed. This fluid pressure is then released and used to propel the vehicle when it starts moving again. Hydraulic systems such as this can capture up to 75 percent of the braking energy. This is about double what electric systems can deliver. For buses and delivery trucks (that brake a lot) this type of system could make a lot of economical sense until battery technology improves.

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Lastly an update on the weekend hunting forecast. It is looking more likely that the highest chance of rain will hold off until the afternoon on Saturday and be heaviest in the northern half of the area. By heavy, I mean a tenth of an inch ortwo of rain, so not that bad. If the rain does mix with snow in the far north, there could be a couple of inches. So it could be dry and mild for much of the morning on Saturday.

A few flurries or snow showers will likely be flying in the air Sunday morning, but I doubt there will be much accumulation. The main concern on Sunday will be a gusty west-northwest wind in the morning and cold temps. After highs in the 40s on Saturday, it will only be in the 30s on Sunday.

Have a nice Wednesday! Meteorologist Justin Loew.

Posted under Alternative Energy, Pollution, Technology