I was just thinking...

[VonHammer]

living in michigan, i try to follow what goes on with the Big 3 - GM, Ford, and Chysler and try to go to the North American Auto Show. anyway, last year GM introduced its Chevrolet Volt electric concept. btw production is supposed to start in 2012. anyway, the concept behind this car is that the primary power source will be from a bank of Li-ion batteries. then after the batttery power gets low, a small gasoline generator kicks in to charge the batteries.

So as a submarine ethusist, i thought this is really nothing new. it basically the same concept that was used on the disele boats except reveresed and on a smaller scale.

heres a link for some more info on the car http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/

would anyone agree eith me on this?

[mrbeast]

Yes I think your right the principle and concept is a very old one.

But I think its still a pretty sound one.

With the decline of oil supplies, or at least the increased cost of its extraction and the environmental effects of burning fossel fuels becoming increasingly apparent I think vehicles running off principles like this will probably be the future.

Funny how old ideas come round again with new applications ;) :arrgh!:

[CDR Resser]

Indeed this seems like a propulsion plant with which we are all aquainted. A fuel burning engine turning a generator that charges a battery or powers an electric motor.
Its a sub on wheels!:rotfl:

[mrbeast]

Indeed this seems like a propulsion plant with which we are all aquainted. A fuel burning engine turning a generator that charges a battery or powers an electric motor.
Its a sub on wheels!:rotfl:

Actually you might not be too far from the truth there.

Imagine the amphibious capacity that an electric powered vehicle would have:hmm:

[Rotary Crewman]

I hear if you don't have enough people in the back of the car a small caption appears on the dashboard saying 'Not enough crew in the electric motors compartment' and the car stops...

Could be wrong though

[Chock]

I hear if you don't have enough people in the back of the car a small caption appears on the dashboard saying 'Not enough crew in the electric motors compartment' and the car stops...

That's just one of the problems, another is that when charging, only the wheels on the left side rotate, or is that a graphics glitch? :rotfl:

:D Chock

[VonHammer]

actualy one of the big problems gm is having is how to cool the batterie, since lithum ion batteris get hot and may catch fire when discharged to fast.