[ecc3189]

Thought this was kind of interesting to think about so I thought I would share(shows how ICEs can get away with being so inefficient).

Energy densities:
Gasoline = 45,000,000 Joules/kg
Lead-Acid ~= 146,000 Joules/kg
Lithium Ion ~= 460,000 Joules/kg

 

[drdonh]

Intersting as well, is how gasoline with such a high energy density can be handled and stored relatively safely (note I said "relatively"). Do something stupid even for a second with a battery pack and you can be in big trouble. The day batteries or other storage methods start to get close to matching gasoline in energy density might actually be a bit frightening. hopefully, there will be something inherent in the the technology that will naturally limit how fast energy can be discharged.

I think when you're the person actually touching this stuff, you start to wonder where the technology is going.

Don

 

[ecc3189]

True. And refilling batteries is much more complicated then just pouring more into the tank... hopefully the technology development will starting picking up its pace soon

 

[nimblemotors]

In terms of convience, going to a toxic waste dump and dispensing the toxins from a pump by hand into the side of a car is horrific here in 2010. If this technology were introduced today, it would laughed off the stage, but its what we've lived with forever. Recharging cars is much simpler,
and with inductive technology, it can be automatic.

With the ability to recharge fast a pack doesn't need a lot of capacity.
Imagine in parking stalls and traffic stops you car is recharging.
We'll get there sooner than you think.

True. And refilling batteries is much more complicated then just pouring more into the tank... hopefully the technology development will starting picking up its pace soon

 

[Guest]

Intersting as well, is how gasoline with such a high energy density.....

Just dumps it out the tail pipe. And the cost is soooooooo high.