Comments on: NAIAS – Jeep to expand EV line up

By: Antonis

Antonis — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:29:56 +0000

Hello there, i have the same jeep and i want to make electric can you tell me how? please

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:08:30 +0000

Australia has a huge opportunity to generate power through wind and solar. There is not much rain in the outback at the moment, might as well use the space for something useful. It might not replace coal, but it will reduce its use.

By: Alan

Alan — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:04:16 +0000

Salesman, that reminds me of what Jay Leno said in TG’s review of Honda Clairty FCX, that cars with internal combustion engine will become a weekend toy or for racing only, while we drive hybrid/eletric/hydrogen cars for daily commute.

What Matty B said is a good point, especially in country like Australia where majority of electricity come from coal power, so what will be the actual saving in CO2 for charging through the the grid.

By: Simon

Simon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:51:29 +0000

It may well be a band-aid solution but have you got any other ideas for when we run out of reasonably priced oil?
I’d like the option to charge my electric car at home with my own solar power system. At this stage I haven’t worked out how to manufacture any oil at home. Ok I apologise for the sarcasm but the point is made.

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:43:03 +0000

Alan says,
i doubt this will ever replace internal combustion engine.

Once someone said the car wouldn’t replace the horse and cart.
I don’t disagree; i also think the internal combustion engine will be about for some time, just like we still have the horse. Maybe car racing in the future will become a more gentlemanly affair, with people dressing up in their Sunday best to see the old V8′s gallop around the track and the Phillies at the end of the days racing will be holding their shoes in one hand, a glass of charade in the other and singing songs while stumbling home Melbourne Cup style.

By: Matty B

Matty B — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:09:08 +0000

I think there’s quite a few problems with electric cars at this point in time.

Recharge times are an issue. Also, there are a few serious questions about electricity use. It’s easy to say the car has zero emmissions but imagine the increase in electricity consumption should 10′s of millions of people (let’s say in US) start plugging in their cars everynight.

You don’t think that would have an impact on the environment.

I think the electric car is a bit like a band aid on amputated arm, sure it might stop a little blood, but you’re still in trouble.

But hey, what ever helps people sleep at night.

By: Simon

Simon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:08:23 +0000

If anyone is interested, try a google on electric cars in London. Certainly interesting reading. If there is a political will then it’s amazing what can be achieved.

By: Simon

Simon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:59:37 +0000

Respect
I guess time will tell

By: Alan

Alan — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:54:56 +0000

Simon, having read the article again closely i see that it is essentially an hybrid like the GM Volt, in which case i do see a future for vehicle of this kind.

My comment above was referring to eletric only cars. With the ability to use a small petrol engine to extend it’s range, it is a viable option in the future. Charging the car overnight for daily commute and fill it up with petrol for longer trips. But i still stand by my comment that eletric only cars will not succeed due to their limitations

By: Alan

Alan — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:49:58 +0000

I agree Salesman, there will be some profit in this, but i doubt this will ever replace internal combustion engine, unless they solve the problem of range and recharge time.