Forget hybrid batteries, let's focus on composites
Time to move composites out of conceptsYesterday, I blogged on one of my favorite out of the box thinking autos, the Aptera plug-in hybrid. Yet, it isn't really the plug-in hybrid technology that inspires, instead, its the lightweight and super strong composites that make up the Aptera's body.
And composites aren't just about auto design and lightweight, super strong bodies.
Applied Sciences Inc. and Pyrograf Products Inc. believe that carbon fiber, another composite material, could offer battery-powered vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt, better range by making lithium ion batteries significantly lighter.
The role of composites in the automobile is just emerging. Finish: Forget hybrid batteries, let's focus on composites
Labels: aptera diesel hybrid, Chevy Volt electric vehicle concept, plug-in hybrid vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:37 AM
6 Comments:
FULL STORY
Yesterday, I blogged on one of my favorite out of the box thinking autos, the Aptera plug-in hybrid. Yet, it isn't really the plug-in hybrid technology that inspires, instead, its the lightweight and super strong composites that make up the Aptera's body.
And composites aren't just about auto design and lightweight, super strong bodies.
Applied Sciences Inc. and Pyrograf Products Inc. believe that carbon fiber, another composite material, could offer battery-powered vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt, better range by making lithium ion batteries significantly lighter.
The role of composites in the automobile is just emerging.
Even without plug-in technology, making automobiles significantly lighter would have very dramatic effects on US fuel economy. Additionally, lighter and smaller vehicles - but just as safe - could be far more aerodynamic thanks to the superb flexibility and malleability of composites, further increasing fuel economy.
Along that smaller and lighter vein, automakers could begin to truly rethink the automobile.
For instance, do we really need two seats in small cars? Why not just one? Why not super small, but super safe vehicles - similar to enclosed motorcycles - for daily transportation?
Ultimately, I'm not arguing against tax credits for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, I fully support them, but we need to think even further outside of the box.
More important, if the big boys can't do it, then give niche makers, such as Aptera, a government-incentivized chance as well. If they hit it right, the loss of Chrysler, for instance, won't be as detrimental if it is replaced by a hot new tech driven automaker such as Aptera.
Congress, and the next President, can't focus on how to save the Big 3 if they can't compete. If they can't innovate. The Big 3 are probably better off as the Big 2, or the Big 1, at this point in time. America doesn't need three monstrous, inflexible automakers that specialize in making huge gas-guzzlers. America needs innovators.
Vehicles like the Chevy Volt are a good start, but not nearly enough. The US auto industry must think far outside of the box, and simply putting a big new battery in the box won't be enough.
但记住，不要让她时且你为了将阴茎夹紧，会很累。二是在用乳房成人用品做爱时，不一定只是将阴茎夹在乳沟之间来回插动。你也可适当地用阴茎在乳房表面摩擦，也可以用阴茎挑动压弄乳头。另外由于不像在阴道成人用品做爱时有阴道分泌的润滑液润滑，乳交时你可能会感到较干涩不顺畅，这时你可以适当加点润滑剂帮忙。
Totally agree. Arguing about batteries makes less sense than starting to attack other parts of the automobile design and industry. Batteries/Capacitors, at whatever size, are the future, so lets just move on.
I also totally agree that it might be time for three to become two or one, so that there is less competition for investment in the US auto industry. When Chrysler goes away investors and suppliers can start looking around for other manufacturers to support. And yes the govt should incentivize that investment in new auto manufacturers. That consolidation might even make it easier for GM/Ford to create new Green labels, like Toyota could one day do with the Prius.
But back to new auto companies, California is already doing that by supporting Tesla manufacturing in California. More of that, please. California has tons of engineering talent and infrastructure that could be tapped by next generation auto manufacturers.
well, i'm a southern cali kid, so i'm more favorable to aptera than tesla, but there's tons of room for both.
still, obama, whom i believe will be the next president, is hugely pro UAW and i think he'll fight consolidation at all costs to protect UAW jobs. yet, i'm afraid the US auto industry is need of great change, and I worry obama could be an impediment to change (not that mccain would be better).
i don't think we can bail out all three automakers to profitability.
i hope this is just pandering and that he'll be able to make tough decisions.
Well I liked the Aptera enough to put down the $500. deposit. As its refundable, what am I risking? The interest in a bank is what about 2%? Less than $10.00 to support consumer and investor confidence.
or
Last month I drove 5,000 miles, what would I have saved to have done this in an Aptera? Two weeks ago I bought a 1996 Geo Metro, then sent my mechanic on a mission to go through it to make it long distance worthy. A 3 cyc 5 speed, I already broke 60 mpg before taking it in. I don't drive the Geo for its good looks! I will have 5 thousand in it before its over, but I will drive the socks off of it and its cheaper than my Ford Ranger.
So if you really want change, try investing the lost $10. in interest in a deposit on a car, you are not even required to buy! Who knows, maybe you will change your mind? Talk is cheap and whats a lousy $10.00 ???
fincenMIB
fincenMIB-
That's an interesting suggestion. I might just follow your lead.
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