How I think it will play out

[eric_tse]

Contrary to many opinions that the sky is falling, I think the future will not be so bleak. The rising gas prices are actually strengthening my opinion, because they already force people to change their lifestyles despite the fact that gas is still pretty cheap here. So here it goes:

1. As the prices rise, the public transportation will start to

Comments

[peristaltor]

A quick point: the hybrids operated by Metro and Sound Transit are not true hybrids, but diesel only. They do not use overhead lines, nor can they be "plugged in" to a non-diesel power source. Furthermore, they are only slightly more efficient than the buses without hybrid drives. If you can't plug it in, it ain't electric. (I know because I drive them

[eric_tse]

Thanks peristaltor for very interesting reply! I may be mistaken, but I think I saw buses ( the longer variety) on Eastside with the electrical poles on the roof, in the folded position. Since there are no overhead lines on Eastside, these buses obviously have diesel engines, and because they also have the electric poles, I concluded that when they go to Seattle they raise them up and use the lines. Am I mistaken?
Excellent point on the Miles car. We almost bought it, and I wasn't going to hack it. The turn-off for me was the price($18K is a bit too much for this kind of car - it should cost no more than $12K in my opinion. Also, since its not highway legal and it goes only up to 40, it is not possible to take in on the bridges across the lake. If they could make this car go at least 55, that would be ideal, but I guess above 40 they hitting some sort of a physical limit with the batteries.

[peristaltor]

When did you see the diesel bus with the folded poles? Metro stopped running them (the Italian-made Bredas) about three years ago. The poles were designed solely to power the bus through the downtown bus tunnel which used a different line voltage than the street wires. Those buses have since been modified to use the street voltage. Drivers now call them Frankenbredas.

$18K for a Miles?!? That is excessive. A neighbor has one. I've only glanced at it, but it did seem well put together. . . on the outside. Sadly, electric components are the pricey parts. That's where most electric vehicle makers skimp, choosing the flooded batteries and dc drive systems over safer tech. (I give the skinny on dc here). I'm at least glad the Miles uses ac

[eric_tse]

Yes, I saw them in Bellevue about three years ago. Thanks for explaining! Regarding Miles car - the car itself is a Daihatsu, with electric engine. I believe they use gel batteries. The dealership is on Dearborn street, right off I90. Web site http://www.mcev.biz

[peristaltor]

Gel cells are an improvement in terms of internal resistance, but need to be watched for over charging and over draw. Boil that electrolyte and it just shoots out with no hope of replacement. That would explain why they're limited to under 40. Interesting.

[peristaltor]

I just checked the specs on the website. They use a "72V Advanced DC Series Wound" motor. That's a DC motor. No regen braking and a very good chance the thing will go runaway and require a Big Red Button.