Study: Dynamic plug-ins key to cost-effectiveness
Simply more expensive compared to conventional and hybrid cars, despite energy savingsThe US National Renewable Energy Laboratory is prepared to release a new study on ways of achieving plug-in hybrid and EV cost-effectiveness. Like most studies, the NREL study also finds that under essentially every scenario possible, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles simply are not going to be cost-effective compared to conventional and hybrid vehicles.
However, the NREL study concludes that there is a promising new approach to plug-in vehicles called "dynamic plug-ins" that could be a difference maker. Essentially, dynamic plug-ins would recharge while moving, enabling smaller battery packs, yet more electricity consumption.
Of course, such an infrastructure for mobile charging is currently non-existent, but if developed, it would be a game-changing technology for plug-in vehicle cost-effectiveness, even with the limitations of current lithium-ion technologies.
Labels: electric cars, Hybrid Vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:13 AM
15 Comments:
mobile charging? I'm flummoxed...
what is that?
These studies have got to start including all of the costs associated with a fossil fuel-based economy. The flow of dollars out of this country to pay for foreign oil and it's effect on the trade deficit, and the cost of fighting wars to preserve the flow of oil (in dollars and lives) need to be included.
Also, even if energy costs go up, home produced energy (whether it be from coal, natural gas, wind, solar, hydro electric, or geothermal) is going to put more Americans to work. Is anyone calculating what those new jobs would do for America?
I also agree that it's a very convenient!
They need to design and make some electric super cars.. ;) Corvettes etc.
The article says that 22% of miles are driven on interstates, which are 1% of reads. The proposition is to electrify the roads. In Texas, tolls are about $.15/mile, with "value" pricing being considered to increase it to $.60/mile during time when people want to actually use them. With that in mind, does anyone think the price of charging your car on the road will be cheap?
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/02/nrel-study-finds-that-a-dynamic-plugin-vehicle-could-be-a-promising-technology-pathway-for-costeffec.html
it would seem to me that the infrastructure needed to provide this capability would be insanely expensive... although they do use electrified guide ways for rail - right?
I definitely agree, EI, that more of the hidden costs of petroleum dependence need to be flushed out and added into the equation. Until we can do that, any serious change seems impossible.
But is that possible?
There seems to be oodles and oodles of back door politics and pork behind America's oil dependence. Even worse, today the people are hooked on cheap energy, even if it costs a lot in back door taxes and trillion dollar budget deficits.
Selling change to the masses will not be easy, unless the change comes without any inconveniences and any added costs, particularly upfront costs.
we've become a piggish short-term thinking society.
larry and john - i know little of dynamic charging, but i agree that it would seem terribly cost-ineffective, at least based on today's technologies. ultimately, i think the study suggests that if a breakthrough in dynamic charging could be developed, it would instantly make plug-in vehicles cost-effective.
I love the idea of an electric toll road.
Just think. You could commute to work and have a full charge when you get there.
It all comes down to money to build the infrastructure. Gas tax increase anyone?
and yet you'd have a smaller battery pack and cheaper car as well.
You don't redesign the roads, that would be idiotic. Just consider the logistics and additional costs for upkeep. You have to redesign the vehicle - make it generate it's own electricity while moving. Magnets in the wheel base, small air intakes that funnel air to fans connected to little motor bushings, monkeys in highchairs, whatever! It's a matter of re-thinking what moves in and around a vehicle while in motion.
perpetual motion machine anyone?
shecky-
that would be one way, but based on today's technology you're talking a trickle of electricity.
obviously, building such infrastructure into new roads probably wouldn't add that much expense. however, redoing old infrastructure would be terribly cost-ineffective i'd assume.
thus, id be willing to bet that those thinking about such dynamic charging are looking for options beyond just the pavement.
Dahcredyns - I agree with you about today's technology. But, as I'm sure you'll agree, today's technology is not tomorrow's. Hell, ten years ago we wouldn't even be having this conversation. I'm crossing my fingers and toes in hopes of what tomorrow may bring. MONKEYS IN HIGHCHAIRS!
I don't think the cost is that much more on existing infrastructure.
Basically your talking about cutting a narrow groove into existing pavement and inserting the wiring/cabling needed to supply that electricity.
Cable TV companies already have a device that cuts and inserts cabling into the ground all in one motion. A simple modification of that technology is all that is needed to add wiring to existing pavement...
i agree with that basic assumption as well, schecky! dare to dream, which is why i think the dynamic charging technologies might also develop in unforeseeable - at least today - ways.
also, i think smurf makes a pretty good point about upgrading current infrastructure.
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