Just an observation and wondering

I think every one is missing the specific technology of the Prius. It is a hybrid - meaning it has a small gas fired engine in addition to the electric drive motor and batteries. The energy dissipated from the brakes, wheels turning and the gas engine rotation, recharges the batteries. The control computer decides which is better suited (for performance and effeciency) which drive system is better and switches back and forth between them automatically. The AC works as described above.

AND...
I just read (unconfirmed) that PG&E is asking people to not recharge their electric cars because of demand caused by the heat wave.
Matt

I suspect that your pacemaker is not going to be bothered by Inductive charging systems but the key word is "SUSPECT" but the reason is a frequency (Or wave length) thing. I suspect the inductive system is using frequencies below 500 HZ. and the odds of that affecting your pace maker are close to zero. But again Odds and Close to .

What is the relation between Frequency and wave length 300,000,000, 500 HZ is 600,000 meters, so a quarter wave antenna would be 150,000 meters long. A bit longer than the leads on your pacemaker.

But again. I suspect, odds, and so on, I'm not an expert on pacemakers...yet. (Doc says I might become one though)

Boston Scientific forbids me to go near an arc welder, battery charger, or alternator. My pacemaker was switched off during torso body scans via an MRI. So here we have John Q Public keel over at an inductive charging station. Diagnosis? Heart failure. That's all an "attorney" needs to pursue deep pockets municipal entities.
I would advise caution in chortling about new age devices dependent on electromagnetic induction force. It takes but one legal precedent to upset the planning applecart. This is why a current health issue is hotly debated because of divestiture of liability.

Only vaguely related but an example of how well inductive charging can work is the Disneyland Submarines. When they were brought back a few years ago, they removed the diesel engines and made everything electric - propulsion, AC, special effects, etc.
They recharge when parked in the boarding area taking on passengers.
I think we'll eventually see inductive charging surfaces for home and office use. They aren't quite as efficient but people who are willing to pay for convenience will jump on them.

even in non hybrids electric power steering, and even AC, brake booster, water pump etc. are becoming common. reduces engine drag, only operates when needed, improves fuel economy. No reason to run the power steering when stopped, and less assist is needed at higher speeds,

On our acura mdx hybrid everything typically driven off the serpentine belt is GONE, all now electric.

Horsedoc wrote:
I have driven the Toyota Prius when they first came on the market years ago. I liked it and it ran fine with no problems, even in the summer.
If, there is nothing (NO engine) but an electric motor to make these new electric cars go, what powers the A/C and on these days here in the South with 90 percent humidity and 90 degrees?
I guess I am just old school and don't understand how this kind of setup could be of value for anything other than driving to the market and back.

Separate electric motor drives the A/C. In many EVs the cooling system also serves as a heat pump when needed. The A/C with a separate motor is more efficient as the compressor can be driven at the correct speed instead of up and down at the engine speed. The cooling system in most EVs also cools the battery when needed. The cooling system works quite well using about 5% of the range in hot conditions. EV can be pre-cooled or pre-heated before you drive using utility power if connected. Even inside your closed garage.

jdc1 wrote:
News on the EV front! Long Beach California charges its city buses by....picking up passengers. Wireless technology has improved so much, charging is as simple as pulling up and..that's it. Just like a smart phone (not mine) or watch, you can charge effortlessly. The charging system is embedded in the road. This will become more widespread soon....mostly in metropolitan ares, of course.

It's highly doubtful that it will become too widespread. Inductive charging is significantly less efficient than a direct electrical connection (especially at the distances the bus is from the pavement, and the imprecision in its stopping), and having a big enough electromagnet there to supply a usable amount of charge very quickly starts to make things look and act like an induction range or MRI machine. I bet the majority of the charging for the busses still happens at the depot during off hours.

Wireless charging makes a lot more sense for razors, toothbrushes, cell phones, and similar low power devices.

News on the EV front! Long Beach California charges its city buses by....picking up passengers. Wireless technology has improved so much, charging is as simple as pulling up and..that's it. Just like a smart phone (not mine) or watch, you can charge effortlessly. The charging system is embedded in the road. This will become more widespread soon....mostly in metropolitan ares, of course.

Just like current Chevy 1500 truck power steering…electricity. See a pattern here?