we are evil

 

That was the Hummer vs Prius story, based on new versions of each.

Ian was talking about series Land Rovers, already in existence. A new LR is a different beast altogether (though still basic in construction, compared to a Prius).

 

or just watch too much Cow & Chicken...

 

Ever the optimist, I'm 100% sure we'll have viable electric cars in the medium term. I applaud their development.

My late uncle was a tall-forehead; he helped develop radar in WW2 and other interesting stuff and was hugely enthusiastic about the potential of direct transition of radioactivity into electricity (rather than the arcane process of using nuclear fission generated heat to create steam to drive a steam turbine).

A little bit of research has shown this is now making practical headway. The direct collection of Pu-238's emissions could mean a nuclear battery weighing only 15 kg could meet the 6.5kW of power required for an electric car during 'normal' driving. Two or three would meet the peek power demand of most homes.

 

that belongs in the file along with 'scientists expect all cancers to be cured within 5 years'

'scientists find 'immortality' gene

and 'utility companies celebrate invention of new cheap, non-polluting power source'

 

Indeed, I was referring to the "environment in which we live" where a reduction in noise is generally a good thing, as you'll no doubt agree, rather than the "environment in which Greenpeace/politicos live", where a reduction in CO2 is all that matters.

Electric cars are quiet compared to diesels, which is a good thing (despite the noisemakers)

Electric cars don't stink up the locality (the pollution goes elsewhere)

Electric cars don't pump out particulates

All these are good things, I think.

Yes, the last Climate change conference was in Cancun wasn't it?

 

Every idea and invention has people who are for it and against it.

There were campaigns against dangerous electricity replacing safe gas, and then again against dangerous AC current replacing safe DC current.
There were people who said cars would never replaces horses, that computers would never catch on and that air travel wasn't feasible.

Electric cars are the future, everyone in the car industry knows that electricity is a better form of power, but we just lack the battery technology.. There is currently a massive amount of investment into batteries in everything from small phone batteries through to massive boat batteries.

My guess is that the next 20 years will bring a huge jump in battery tech, just as the last 20 years has bought a massive change in computer technology.

 

are electric motors new then.

i am sure they have been around for a few years.


mind you they have come on leaps and bounds in the last 200 years.



that was sarcasm btw.

 

I'm sure 10 years ago there were those who'd have had the same opinion about the concept of the iPad...

I suspect you're embittered because of your age - you won't be around to appreciate the new golden age!

 

perhaps steve gobs should shove his i pad up his arse and invent something that actually benefits the world. rather than a reinvention of a ****** laptop for knobs.