* But since we can't affordably and reliably store enough power in a battery stack, we have a diesel generator that simply provides power directly to the electric motor WHEN in transit.
This is in essence a diesel locomotive. We all know trains move freight much more efficiently than any other mode of transport. Trains can move a ton (2000 lbs) of freight 480 miles on 1 (one) gallon of fuel. That can be translated a lot of MPG's....
http://www.csx.com/index.cfm/about-csx/projects-and-partnerships/fuel-efficiency/When technology allows small enough units to efficiently drive different sized units this will work well. No more parasitic losses through the transmission (and/or transfer cases, etc). Computers will be able to match wheel RPMs, monitor for slippage and instantly correct, etc. There will be no gear shifts, drive shafts and other components that add weight, which will of course be offset by the weight of the power generation units and individual drives at the wheels (or a hybrid using drives at the axle location).
This will be a revolution in propulsion such as the front wheel drive cars were.
