If all else was equal, would you buy an electric?

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by babydriver

I think this is a real possibility. Ohm's Law, E=IR, so it doesn't matter from an energy standpoint if you use high voltage/low current or the other way around. The same amount of power can be imparted to the battery either way. The reduction in voltage does reduce the risk of arcing, as air is a good insulator. Some sort of electronic monitoring system could easily be devised that would assure a good, low ohm connection is in place (like a computer "handshake" with another computer via internet) before charging could begin. Consider how truly dangerous gasoline is, yet we have tamed that beast almost completely. I don't think that safety will be the limiting factor with EV charging.

There are some pretty cool ideas in battery technologies coming up in the next few years. I especially like the concept of the "paper battery", using graphene embedded on the surface of ordinary newsprint-type paper to make a very light, high powered capacitor.

I am more optimistic about EV than I am about hydrogen cars, even though I know that it's an irrational fear that all of these cars will be turning into mini-Hindenburgs. Everyone is entitiled to their own neuroses!

My main issue with H-power is capacity. In gaseous form, energy per unit volume is very low compared to modern petroleum-based fuels, and we don't have an economical AND safe method for storage and use that can survive severe impacts for liquid H. Hydrogen is WAY more flammable than gasoline, and that's even worse when it is in liquid form (which is what we'd need for storage capacity reasons). Now, massive liquid H tanks for reaction mass in massive space ships just makes bloody good sense, but that's for feeding a fusion reactor or anti-matter power generator (which won't happen until we can produce anti-deuterium economically in large quantities, which is so far off it's only in the realm of highly speculative science fiction). But as a power source for cars? Nope. Not now anyway.

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

My main issue with H-power is capacity. In gaseous form, energy per unit volume is very low compared to modern petroleum-based fuels, and we don't have an economical AND safe method for storage and use that can survive severe impacts for liquid H. Hydrogen is WAY more flammable than gasoline, and that's even worse when it is in liquid form (which is what we'd need for storage capacity reasons). Now, massive liquid H tanks for reaction mass in massive space ships just makes bloody good sense, but that's for feeding a fusion reactor or anti-matter power generator (which won't happen until we can produce anti-deuterium economically in large quantities, which is so far off it's only in the realm of highly speculative science fiction). But as a power source for cars? Nope. Not now anyway.

You do realize that we're talking about hydrogen as a reactant of fuel cells, right? Slightly different animal. Wouldn't need more than some heavily compressed hydrogen for a fuel cell application, if memory serves.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

You do realize that we're talking about hydrogen as a reactant of fuel cells, right? Slightly different animal. Wouldn't need more than some heavily compressed hydrogen for a fuel cell application, if memory serves.

Actually I hadn't. Still leery about compressed hydrogen, but that is minimized from what I had envisioned.

[tahdizzle]

Jk. I like this thread :P

[themadscientist]

If Japan Nissan had their shit together on their leasing I would have got a leaf two years ago. Even with the still relevant shortcomings of electrics, it fit my use profile and I have to disagree with the OP, I find the Leaf, at least in white, very pretty.