RV Fuel Issues & Prices - Post 'Em Here!
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I just did a brief look at the history of electric cars and found they go back a whole far way, like almost 200 years! Around 1900 they were to be found in the USA for a while, didn't make bad city cars, as low ranges of around 30 miles tops, and their low speeds weren't that important, cities being much smaller then. They had other advantages, too. No crank starting, and much quieter, as mufflers had yet to be invented.
But Henry Ford's cars were far cheaper, down to $7,600 in 1916 vs. $42,000 and rising in 1912 for the e-car. (Adjusted $)
In the '60s and '70s, AMC and the big three made a run at it, but realized the futility of the venture. The government later got into the picture and, with money being no object(! ), developed the Volt!! Guess they didn't read the history and thought that over-century-old 30 mile range problem wasn't a hindrance.
What surprised me is the ni-cads and lithiums were around quiet a while, and now li-ion and others, none of which have even been able to replace the lead acid batteries we use. It's far cheaper, has fewer dangers, stands up to the cold way better than other types. Where, after nearly two centuries, is the meaningful advance in batteries that would enable an e-car to compete with the ICE? I'd jump on an opportunity to bring OPEC to its knees. Just give me a car that will hold the family, dogs, pull my TT and get me to my campground 800 miles away in two days with only a couple of half-hour gas-ups and potty breaks and price that car so it can be had for no more than 50k. I'm gettin old. Can't wait another 200 years. And at the current rate of progress, we'd be in the same place then as now and centuries ago.
Forgive any misstatements of fact, this is just my take after a quick look at the situation. I don't claim any wealth of knowledge on the subject.
But Henry Ford's cars were far cheaper, down to $7,600 in 1916 vs. $42,000 and rising in 1912 for the e-car. (Adjusted $)
In the '60s and '70s, AMC and the big three made a run at it, but realized the futility of the venture. The government later got into the picture and, with money being no object(! ), developed the Volt!! Guess they didn't read the history and thought that over-century-old 30 mile range problem wasn't a hindrance.
What surprised me is the ni-cads and lithiums were around quiet a while, and now li-ion and others, none of which have even been able to replace the lead acid batteries we use. It's far cheaper, has fewer dangers, stands up to the cold way better than other types. Where, after nearly two centuries, is the meaningful advance in batteries that would enable an e-car to compete with the ICE? I'd jump on an opportunity to bring OPEC to its knees. Just give me a car that will hold the family, dogs, pull my TT and get me to my campground 800 miles away in two days with only a couple of half-hour gas-ups and potty breaks and price that car so it can be had for no more than 50k. I'm gettin old. Can't wait another 200 years. And at the current rate of progress, we'd be in the same place then as now and centuries ago.
Forgive any misstatements of fact, this is just my take after a quick look at the situation. I don't claim any wealth of knowledge on the subject.
