Elon Musk rocket to be unveiled July 20th

[no_way]

Li-Ion batteries dont lose any significant charge over time ( its true for other battery chemistries )

 

[kdavis007]

I like the concept of the electric car, however, being from the midwest, the winters here kinda get cold. I'm wating for hydrogen powered cars....

 

[mikejz]

Personally, I'm starting to think hydrogen is going to be a non-starter.<br /><br />I'm leaning much more towards plug-in hybrids and cellusotic ethanol right now.

 

[docm]

IMO pure electric is fine for 90% of our driving. The avg. American only drives ~36mi/day anyhow, so save the hybrids etc. for a 2nd long distance vehicle. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[josh_simonson]

Exactly, and plug in hybrids require compact, stable fuels that can be stored for weeks or months between trips that exceed the battery capacity. Hydrogen is very poor for that application. <br /><br />It may actually be cheaper to simply change out the batteries at service stations for such trips. That would eliminate much of the battery-life issues for such cars since the batteries could be tested, refurbished or recycled after such a swap, much like propane tanks are.<br /><br />Ultracapacitors could be recharged faster than gasoline can be pumped.

 

[no_way]

Very good interview with Elon Musk here regarding Tesla Roadster, EV's in general and whats coming in future:<br />http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/07/26/exclusive-q-and-a-with-elon-musk-on-the-tesla-roadster-and-the-fut/<br /><br />Musk is a true visionary in many respects..