I have my eye on the Nissan Leaf (all-electric), and a rough target date of 2015-2020 to buy one. All automakers are free to provide a competing model for my consideration by that date.
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Originally Posted by Sweetpea
I wouldn't want a full electric car until there are as many "electric" stations as there are now gas station. Which is why I want a full hybrid... (the Auris will arrive by the end of this year)
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There are more. They're called "electric sockets." Besides, "fill-ups" are going to be very different processes when it takes a minimum of 1/2 hour for a significant incremental charge, and 6 hours for a full one. The "gas station" would likely be replaced by the "short stay center," most likely a mall/motel where you can plug in and shop, eat, lounge or sleep while you wait.
But there is an alternative, one I've proposed in the past: An extended-distance power-trailer that you pick up at any gas station charged and waiting, tow behind your vehicle, drive on it until it's dry, then pull into another station and exchange it like a propane tank exchange. This would allow gas-station-fast stop-and-go for travelers, and keeps gas stations in business as the sources for the trailers.
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Originally Posted by Dusty
Many US cities have 'brown outs' when demand is high, now had a few million electric cars to the mix and see what happens.
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Electric cars will mostly be recharged at night, when demand is low, and will not be as demanding on steady power sources; if your car sits for 9 hours, and only needs 6 to recharge, slowed power input will only add a short time to reach full charge.
Also, nighttime electrics (not to mention plenty of daytime and other systems) can be replaced by much more efficient LED lighting, further saving power for the cars.