How do you see the future of electric vehicle technology?

2016-01-28T17:34:45-05:00

With the drop in oil prices and innovation around electric vehicle technology, how do you see the growth and expansion of sustainable transportation?

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Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 5:39 PM

2016-01-28T17:39:52-05:00

I think the concepts seen in movies are in the near future. However, I'm more curious about the way these vehicles will be fueled.

Response by PO1 Matthew Murdock made Jan 28 at 2016 5:47 PM

2016-01-28T17:47:27-05:00

Until the cost comes down without government subsidies the tech will never take off.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Jan 28 at 2016 5:53 PM

2016-01-28T17:53:04-05:00

Until it becomes affordable to purchase such a vehicle, and the range is increased, the technology will not be able to compete. I would be more impressed if a conversion kit was made to convert existing vehicles from Gas to Electric and was an affordable option.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 28 at 2016 5:58 PM

2016-01-28T17:58:49-05:00

Like most innovative systems that are able to penetrate markets and keep consumers happy, I expect prices for vehicles like the Model X to come down to a more affordable level. The question is, how soon will this happen? Tesla has some groundbreaking battery technology that is becoming cheaper and easier to manufacture. The disruption you see from Elon's SpaceX in the DoD launch industry is real. Tesla is doing the same in the automotive space and I see it continuing down a successful road. I expect to see a wider spread use and adoption by drivers across the globe. This applies to not only to battery powered vehicles, but also autopilot technology in all cars. We'll get there soon. Like my Squadron Commander Lt Col Samuel Elliott always use to simply say: "Change is great, embrace change"

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 28 at 2016 6:02 PM

2016-01-28T18:02:42-05:00

I would love to have an electric vehicle, but... (Yes, there's a "but" and it's a big one) it must have a range of at least 300 miles and be rechargeable in the same amount of time as it takes to fill a tank with gas. I know it sounds as though my "but" makes it appear that I'm not serious about wanting an electric vehicle, but I believe that my requirements will soon be met. I have seen recent news of super capacitors which could retain a sufficient charge to meet my range requirements (even on a hot night with lights and air conditioning running) and could be recharged, even without stopping. Batteries will never meet my requirements and there is on 300 mile extension cord. Oh yes, and the price must be reasonable. Keeping in mind that the maintenance would be much less than an internal combustion engine and there would be no more costly gas, I would be willing to pay more than I might for a comparable gas-fueled car.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 28 at 2016 6:28 PM

2016-01-28T18:28:45-05:00

In the long run oil prices will rise again, they are driven by a finite resource with an infinite demand. Internal Combustion Engines are a very mature iteration of a low technology energy transfer.

The end of the carbon economy is inevitable and I see Tesla as working to accelerate that end, to everyone's benefit. I'm excited about the construction of the gigafactory and the introduction of the middle-market model 3 for the rest of us!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 28 at 2016 8:08 PM

2016-01-28T20:08:59-05:00

I have heard that battery capacity will improve dramatically.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jan 28 at 2016 8:53 PM

2016-01-28T20:53:22-05:00

Within 20-30 years almost all vehicles in the USA will be electric or hybrid. Driving the gas prices down and destabilizing the Middle East. I go with the years as a comparison of 1960's gas guzzlers to now. Middle EAst, is all oil. By that time, most of USA will have sustainable tech, wind, hydrodynamic, tidal, solar. Nuclear tech will be much better and efficient. I can also imagine a way, on smart roads and highways to pipe electricity or modified maglev to power said vehicles... But that will end the concept of high speed pursuits, cause Uncle Sam can turn your car off by remote LOL

Response by SGT Ronald Bacon made Jan 28 at 2016 9:47 PM

2016-01-28T21:47:09-05:00

There will always be a strong movement to move away from fossil fuels. I feel a real breakthrough is 10 years away until we can get a true everyday family vehicle and requires no gas.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 11:29 PM

2016-01-28T23:29:45-05:00

That is pretty bad ass. I would like to have one in the future. It is a matter of time until they are common. I really admire Tesla for doing what they are doing. They are leading the way in this.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 29 at 2016 1:02 AM

2016-01-29T01:02:36-05:00

Until your cars are more affordable I don't think it will take off too much.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 29 at 2016 7:12 AM

2016-01-29T07:12:07-05:00

I think Electric Vehicles are actually going to be a secondary issue. Right now the total "package" price is going to place them outside of most consumers, just because we can't get them comparable to ICE pricing, yet. It's just so much cheaper to make an ICE vehicle, even with fuel costs calculated over the life of the vehicle.

That's on a small lightweight vehicle.

The other factor is that we just don't get distance out of pure electric yet. 100~ miles. Hybrid is great, but pure electric not so much. That doesn't mean we won't but ICE is just Subjectively better for the average American.

However, the thing that will push into the EV era will be the Self Driving Car. As we transition into that, things like Uber (et al), especially in large metro centers will increase demand and "start" to make them viable. If the technology can catch up.

We're more than a decade away though. We need massive changes to Technology, Legislature, and Culture before this can happen. Culture is already happening, Technology is working, and Legislature is trying to catch up.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 29 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-01-29T08:32:37-05:00

Maybe paint that are solar cells.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Jan 29 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-01-29T12:06:13-05:00

I was looking back at the electric cars of 1914 in the US and the main problem was having a place to charge up. I see more of those but not close to a freeway off ramp. Maybe if the roof surface was a solar collector that charged the battery to extend the distance between recharging it might help. Replacing the battery is very expensive too.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jan 29 at 2016 12:38 PM

2016-01-29T12:38:31-05:00

I am all about providing choice to the customer. It is good to see the opportunity for electronically powered vehicles.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jan 29 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-01-29T13:02:52-05:00

Expensive initially but then cheap enough eventually to be appealing.

Response by PO2 Gary Lyall made Jan 29 at 2016 10:43 PM

2016-01-29T22:43:58-05:00

I see it getting better and more affordable

Response by SSgt Mark Lines made Jan 30 at 2016 6:01 AM

2016-01-30T06:01:23-05:00

You do not see many electric or hybrid vehicles here in Thailand because the necessary infrastructure is non-existent. The initial cost of these types of vehicles is so high, that they are out of reach for most of the population. Until this cost decreases, the adoption of these types of vehicles in Thailand and other "3rd World" countries will lag behind the rest of the world.

Other "Green" technologies are in use here. All of the gasoline sold here is an ethanol blend. They sell not only the standard 10% mix but a 20% mix as well. E85 is also available. Many cars here have been converted to run on LPG. The cost of conversion is cheap and conversion kits for most vehicles are widely available. Most of the large trucks, semi's and the like, also run on LPG.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 30 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-01-30T10:23:38-05:00

Tesla is awesome and I would love to drive a Tesla someday. Aren't they coming out with a SUV model?

Response by COL Ted Mc made Jan 30 at 2016 1:41 PM

2016-01-30T13:41:20-05:00

I heartily approve of electric cars. One thing that should be brought back is the "Car-
Go-Rail" concept for travel beyond 100 miles.

However, the nation's electrical grid would be completely incapable of coping with a 100% conversion to electric cars. (I have no idea what the "carbon cost" would be for massively expanding the distribution system and also increasing the electrical generating capacity of the country - but I suspect that it would be higher than the "carbon saving" arising from converting to electric cars.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-01-30T15:11:25-05:00

Tesla is making car companies and utility companies nervous. I have TESLA shares so I don't care. The future is electric cars and homes that do not need to be part of the grid since they have their own power supply that gets its power by saving solar energy and using it at night! What an innovation that can save thousands over the years!https://www.teslamotors.com/powerwall?redirect=no

Tesla Powerwall

Powerwall is a home battery that charges using electricity generated from solar panels and powers your home when the sun goes down.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-01-30T15:13:25-05:00

I am glad the cars are coming back. I remember the the Saturn EV1. I would watch this movie on youtube or netflicks. I was so upset when I saw this move 8 years ago!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfmplgZ-VpU

Who Killed The Electric Car YouTube

America is being strangled with energy cost, and pollution, for the sake of not only Mammon, but the suppression of progression.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 1 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-02-01T18:52:44-05:00

As long as the industry is reliant of Federal subsidies to make their products marketable, as long as the long term disposal issues are being glossed over, as long as battery life remains indeterminate (with replacement costs indeterminate as well), I see the industry as NOT becoming competitive, or mainstream until these vehicles are truly marketable in the consumer market place. As it stands, battery life is indeterminate, and replacement costs are difficult to figure into resale value, meaning there will be hurdles in the resale market as well. And lets not forget the infrastructure necessary to power 240 million Electric cars on the road in the US. That all aside, I'm aghast that we are paying taxes to subsidize millionaire's purchases of $100,000.00 cars.

That being said, I did rent a car in Boston a few years back, and I got a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. I DID have a good driving and efficiency experience, driving over 500 miles on 10 gallons of gas in a full size sedan. My opinion, respectfully submitted.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Feb 1 at 2016 7:09 PM

2016-02-01T19:09:09-05:00

The auto show was displaying a vehicle that could go 200 miles on one charge and could recharge in about 30 minutes at a charging station. The real question is when will they have enough charging station to make it practical for travel

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 1 at 2016 8:13 PM

2016-02-01T20:13:24-05:00

If I'm not mistaken there were Electric-Deseil Subs in service about 90 years ago. That alternative power cars havent kept pace with technology speaks volumes for the influence of big oil on squashing their development,

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Feb 1 at 2016 8:16 PM

2016-02-01T20:16:52-05:00

As an electrician I've installed many High power wall connectors for the Tesla as well as other charging stations for other vehicles both in residential and commercial applications. Also I have had my hands on 3 Tesla super chargers which are 170 KW filling stations. New homes built are required to have a dedicated 240V circuit for vehicle charging in the garage. It's not going away this time Corvette is going to produce an all electric. The Tesla model S can out perform a Ferrari for 1/3 the price. Hotels are adding charging stations for their guests as is manufacturing. Panasonic in lake forest has 7 buildings that are adorned with level II chargers around the entire perimeter of each building. The Saudis are trying to starve the Iranian economy by flooding the market with oil. Soon even the Saudis will go broke and oil will go back to over 100 per barrel

Response by COL Ted Mc made Feb 2 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-02-02T11:55:21-05:00

One factor that should be kept in mind is that INTERNAL combustion engines are inherently less efficient than EXTERNAL combustion engines.

When the designers start looking at "Sterling Cycle" or "Rankine Cycle" engines, we might see even more increase in MPG. [One of the biggest complaints about "Steam cars" was that you had to wait until they had reached operating pressure before you could drive them - a "Steam/Electric Hybrid" removes that problem entirely.]

TRIVIA QUESTION - "What was the make of the car that held the world's land speed record from 1906 to 1911?"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-02-02T14:36:07-05:00

Love the idea of sustainable energy cars, less foreign dependence, more environmentally friendly, and progress to wards the next step in transportation. Fossil fuels are killing our planet. With an infrastructure built around fossil fuel and technology improving the amount of years left of reserves still in the ground, it is tempting, but at what cost?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 11:17 PM

2016-02-02T23:17:17-05:00

Personally I'm really excited to see this technology moving forward. I appreciate Tesla's approach of making a car that buyers will want to drive, rather than trying to sell everyone solely on the concept of "going green" and environmentalism.

Their cars accelerate quickly, are fun to drive, have fun features like their digital dashboard, look futuristic, and have a higher safety rating then any gasoline based car. The fact that their cars are electric and "green" are just the icing on the cake.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Feb 2 at 2016 11:25 PM

2016-02-02T23:25:27-05:00

The recent drop in oil prices is going to hurt Tesla's sales. I do like the way they market by selling directly to the consumer, however. The cost of their latest model (about $65,000) is going to price them out of the market. Chevy is coming out with the Bolt, which will retail for about $30,000.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Feb 3 at 2016 2:08 AM

2016-02-03T02:08:52-05:00

I have no enthusiasm for electric vehicles but that could be because I have a personal love for older gas guzzling V8 muscle cars. That and although electric is great in some ways, long road trips which would mean having to stop frequently to charge as well as northern Midwest winters would make them less than ideal for at least what I use my vehicles for.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Feb 3 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-02-03T09:43:21-05:00

I must say, Tesla is pretty much one of the only viable electric vehicles. Unfortunately I could buy Ferrari for the amount of money they cost.

I would never even entertain buying some of the cheaper electrics because they have like a 25 mile range.

When Tesla comes down from the stratosphere, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Response by PFC Kyle Corcoran made Feb 3 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-02-03T09:53:54-05:00

That thing is sharp. This sounds like a great opportunity for veterans in that area!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-02-04T15:49:37-05:00

One problem with electric cars that everyone seems to be ignoring. We are using some fuel to create the electricity that charges them. Granted we are not paying for gasoline or diesel, but what is firing the local electric company? How much does that cost?

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Feb 4 at 2016 4:45 PM

2016-02-04T16:45:16-05:00

I see a good future but not soon enough. From my point of view these the of vehicles will not work until: 1) I get like 300 mile range per charge and 2) enough recharging stations across the country which don't take longer than 5 minutes for a full charge.

Response by Bill Kim made Feb 4 at 2016 6:30 PM

2016-02-04T18:30:47-05:00

Honestly, I would love to see electric power go further. I'm FAR from a tree hugger but the way electric power works is awesome in terms of power delivery. It's literally a light switch, you press the accelerator pedal and you have power unlike an internal combustion engine which has to rev up to it's peak power. Plus electric engines are absolute torque monsters. You just have to address the whole distance thing and charging thing.

Response by PO2 Arthur Delsing made Feb 4 at 2016 9:59 PM

2016-02-04T21:59:18-05:00

It is still an important aspect of the future. The more we can improve upon this technology, lower our dependence on fossil fuels, and provide good jobs to Americans how could this be bad. The biggest issue for electric vehicles is the distance limitations and inability to find charging stations in parts of the US. Once Tesla and others can convince gas station chains to install these then it will become the next auto revolution.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 10:10 PM

2016-02-04T22:10:13-05:00

I leased a Leaf for 2 years in Portland area and had a mixed experience.
Using a 220 charger at home, I could obtain a full charge overnight (12-14hours). In the summer, a full charge lasted about 95 miles; dropping to about 70 in the winter. Speed plays a major factor in how long a charge lasts. The distances mentioned earlier are for city driving at 35-40MPH. Once you hit 55-60MPH, that distance per charge drops by about half.

There is a large network of charging stations throughout the metro area. The problem is that there are two types. A more expensive rapid charger that can bring you to about 80% in 30-45 minutes. These are great at grocery stores, for instance. You can charge while you shop. However, only about 5% of the chargers in the area are these high capacity ones. The vast majority are moderate chargers that take 5-7 hours to get to a full charge. They can give you enough of a boost in about an hour to make it home, but that is really about all they are worth.

The biggest issue I had with my car was finding chargers that were maintained; this was especially true with the rapid chargers. My wife and I once tried to take the car from Portland to JBLM in Tacoma Washington. In a gas car, this trip takes about 2.5 hours. We planned on scheduled charging stops with a trip time of about 4 hours. Because all of the rapids were not working, we had to hop between the medium chargers, taking dinner breaks and what not during those times. The trip took 8 hours. The motel had a charger, but the same issues made for a nearly 9 hour return trip.

I know that Testa and Elon Musk have been trying to overcome the infrastructure issue with plans for battery swap stations..which might be a better way. But right now, the price of a Testla makes it a mighty expensive car just to tool around the neighborhood.

Unless better strides are made to support the effort, the electric vehicle has a ways to go before it is going to really make an impact.

I would suggest people find the documentary: "Who killed the electric car". It is a interesting look at the early attempt to do this with the electric car produced by General Motors: the EV-1

Response by CPL Michael Czarnecki made Feb 5 at 2016 5:55 AM

2016-02-05T05:55:01-05:00

I drive an electric Renault Twizy and want to move up to a tesla!

Response by PVT William Bresch made Feb 7 at 2016 8:34 AM

2016-02-07T08:34:54-05:00

CPT Jack Durish, Agreed...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 8 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-02-08T19:38:34-05:00

Forgive me for double-dipping on this topic but Prager U just released a video that is relevant to the subject...

https://www.prageru.com/courses/environmental-science/are-electric-cars-really-green

Are Electric Cars Really Green?

Are electric cars greener than conventional gasoline cars? If so, how much greener? What about the CO2 emissions produced during electric cars' production? And where does the electricity that powers electric cars come from? Environmental economist Bjorn Lomborg, director of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, examines how environmentally friendly electric cars really are.