In order to succeed new vehicles must improve in these key areas at the same time. The evolution of each technology is described from current to future "dream" technology. Currently, less than 1% of the energy available in a vehicle is used to move the passenger, 99% is used to move the vehicle and heat the air. Reference
- Energy Storage -
Liquid fuel to lithium to Hydrogen
Comparing the energy density of lithium ion batteries (2.4) to hydrogen (143) shows that hydrogen may be the endgame for storage in a pre-nuclear personal energy storage system. However, the overall picture may move away from Hydrogen due to inefficiencies in production and transportation.
EEStor Ultracapacitors may soon be of interest due to their very high dielectric materials. - Energy Source -
Gasoline to Ethanol to hydrogen to 110 to 220 v from the grid at off peak hours (all night) - Energy conversion -
Carburetor to Fuel Injector to fuel cell to direct hydrogen combustion in a generator - Engine -
Piston to direct hydrogen generator hybrid - Weight -
Steel to Aluminium to Carbon fiber (reduce to 30% of current economy vehicles) - Size - Tailored to needs will maximize efficiency
One seater maximizes energy use. BugE
Two seater for a more interesting trip.
Place the whole thing on a bus/train for long trips.
