🚀 go-pugleaf

Some numbers, since this (recent) issue of Autoweek was lying about:

Ford Ecostar Van
Base Price:	$120,000 dollars	!
		three phase, ac motor, 75 HP (I assume thats steady state)
		800 pounds of batteries (lead/acid)
		20 MILES range.
		0-50 12 seconds, 70 MPH top speed.

Sodium/Sulphur in next model, estimated to give 100 miles.

Useful figures of merit for batteries, etc:
	watt-hours/lb, /cubic foot, etc.
	Either of those/dollar.

Current Electronic Products trade mag has a lot of battery comprisons.  Aimed at
the portable electronics market, but scalable.

(Auto Week has had a respectable about of electric vehicle news, imo...)

	As to why the electrics on the flywheel, why not gear direct?  As the
	energy is withdrawn, the flywheel slows.  So does the vehicle, without
	the electrics....  Some "gearing" is needed, since the "fully charged"
	flywheel will be at near (above??  FAR ABOVE?) sonic velocities...

thanks
dave pierson			|the facts, as accurately as i can manage,
Digital Equipment Corporation	|the opinions, my own.
40 Old Bolton Rd		|I am the NRA.
Stow, Mass 01775 USA		pierson@msd26.enet.dec.com
"He has read everything, and, to his credit, written nothing."  A J Raffles