AutoblogGreen

what about onboard dsl gens for batt powered vehicles to extend range???

Reply

len -

Well - then it would just be another diesel hybrid. After all, EVs already tend to have weight problems; adding a generator doesn't help.

The presumption behind local delivery vehicles is that range isn't an issue; the truck doesn't go far, and always goes back to the same location where it can be charged. Extra complexity (and cost) to gain range doesn't help this vehicle meet its goals.

The "smoke spewing" characterization of the power plant, at least in comparison to a diesel engine, is unfair. A stationary plant with scrubbing equipment that will be upgraded over time, constant monitoring and full-time maintenance has far more opportunity to be clean than a portable engine with limited on-board emissions equipment and questionable maintenance.

Reply

Cheryl -

A box truck with a blown head gasket will soon be at the side of the road. A head gasket creates the seal combustion chamber seal between the engine block and head. Among other things, it prevents combustion and coolant from mixing - and has nothing to do with the partially-burnt carbon particulates you're seeing from what is likely a diesel with little emissions equipment.

Yes, the imagery is colorful - but inaccurate. If you're going to use the terminology of vehicle technology, please do so correctly.

Reply

Europe does seem to be moving ahead much quicker than the USA on adopting electric vehicles for localised delivery circuits. The international logistics firm TNT - who alraedy bought 55 Smith electric trucks for use in the UK, have today announced that they're now trialling left-hand drive versions in Rotterdam. I don't know if this link will function within this blog - but the story is sure to appear elsewhere in the next day or so http://group.tnt.com/pressreleases/pressfinancial/tnt/20070821-tnt-pilots-two-zero-emission-trucks-in-rotterdam.asp

Reply

Charge your electric vehicle from your own small windturbine or solar panel or combination of both and you are 100% green,we have had the internal combustion engine for more than 100 years, We have the technolgy and have had it for the last 20 years to run for free but while ever weve got 40 years left of crude oil theres going to be no electric vehicles,and we would have no wars to fight and where would all the oil companies get there hundereds of billions of pounds per year from.

Reply

ds

Reply