Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisl
The energy density of batteries is too low for what we'd really like to have for our vehicles (it takes over a thousand pounds of batteries to give a fairly aerodynamic sedan [Model S] a 260 mile range). Supercaps are more than an order of magnitude worse than that (so a thousand pounds of supercaps would only give a Model S a <26 mile range). Yes, they're great for fast charging and discharging, but they're nowhere near the required energy density to be viable as the main energy storage in a car yet. They could potentially be used to provide quick bursts of power though, so the main battery wouldn't need to provide as much current.
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You're talking about 1st gen, mostly prototype technology. Give the auto industry 5-10 years and they'll have super-capacitors and solar in cars. Imagine having the bodywork coated in solar cells, bodywork also doubling as SC's, AND a huge SC cell running along the bottom of the car for an ultra low center of gravity.
One of the reasons current electrics are so inefficient is because they're unable to store regenerative braking power fast enough. If a SC car could get at least 100 miles per charge, that'd be a game changer. If it only takes a minute or two to charge up, we'd have a viable cross-country electric for road trips. At that point, it's just a matter of charging stations catching up, and gas stations would probably start installing charging stations.