Originally Posted by
Xusia
Driestone,
I don't know that I agree with that assessment. As I see it, the main issue with all electric vehicles at the moment is range (because of the poor energy density of batteries), and until that problem is solved, all electric vehicles will never be a primary mode of transportation for most people (keep in mind a lot of people can't afford multiple vehicles...). To get any kind of decent range, you need a larger, heavier battery pack. Even then, it's often hours to restore full range. That just doesn't cut it in the real world for most people (at least in my opinion).
In the scenario I mentioned above, the battery pack is much smaller - sized to function more like a capacitor in order to provide short range, power to the vehicle when stopped, and deliver a surge of power when needed (more than the generator would be capable of), but not sustain it for long (because how often do you really drive with the accelerator floored all the time?). Yes, the weight of the battery pack would be replaced by a generator and fuel, but what you get in return is both range and self sufficiency (because if you have an on board generator, you don't need a charging station).
Also, there is a very large difference in design, and therefore efficiency (among other things), between an engine that is intended to power a car's drive-train, and an engine that's intended to function as a generator. Oh, and I didn't mention it, but I think the ideal generator *IS* diesel powered, not gas. And of course, the generator would only function when necessary. Admittedly, this would likely be at least 50% of the time, probably more
Such a design allows us to continue the development and improvement of all electric drive-trains and battery technology, while being able to utilize our existing [gas station] infrastructure and removing the range problem. (Making it a potentially more fitting choice for the masses)