A century ago we already had practical electric commuter cars. From Wikipedia
I like this little car, it reminds me of an Amish buggy and a simpler, more rational life which was always within our grasp but we never grasped it.
Imagine a similar car made from modern materials used purely for shopping or commuting. For twenty years I commuted across Nottingham and only on a Sunday morning would I ever do better than an average speed of 20 mph. Usually it was well below.
8 comments:
If only I had kept my 1934 Austin Seven open top car.
Demetrius - I always fancied a car like that but don't have the mechanical skills or patience to keep it in good order.
Mmmm, I think the operative words are 'advertised as'. A Nissan Leaf (modern materials etc) advertises in these more regulated days an 80 mile range - although the more normal charging regime claims 60 miles. As for 211.3 miles, well I for one am a lot sceptical.
As you say, a lowish speed would not be a major problem in most cities but most people require their car to do the commute and also go much further and faster when required. This requirement is not met. As for a simpler more rational life, well that really would not suit the Treasury at all.
Roger - I don't believe 80 miles either, although it is worth remembering that low speeds would have made a major contribution to the car's range. In those days it is also possible that losses through braking were not what they would be in a city today, although now we have regenerative braking.
Despite all the technology they don't seem to advanced that much further than the milk float, maybe it is all the technology ?
Wiggia - I assume it's the price of lithium batteries plus recharging infrastructure because lithium batteries essentially solve the range problem of electric cars.
One of the problems is where to park a car used specially for shopping. It's already hard enough to park.
Jenny - a very small car such as a Smart car might work.
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