[ExI] The silent PV revolution

[Eugen Leitl]

On Fri, Mar 30, 2012 at 01:50:09PM -0400, Dave Sill wrote:
> On Fri, Mar 30, 2012 at 1:26 PM, spike <spike66 at att.net> wrote:
> 
> >  Ever so patiently I explain, yes we can build card
> > that get 100 mpg, however... it isn't your classic Detroit V8 with special
> > rare-earth magnets on the fuel line.  Yes we can do it, yes the cars are
> > light, slow and dangerous, and there are noooo patents or copyrights
> > preventing any of it from being done.
> >
> 
> As you yourself have pointed out, they're only dangerous when they're
> competing with 2-ton Detroits and 10-ton semis. Built out of carbon fiber
> they could be as safe as F1 cars. Too bad we can't outlaw semis and use
> trains for freight.

VW 0.9 l/100 km car is 261 mpg.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/53F43109B9708F71CA2578240007B0E6

It's feasible and safe; however, it will have trouble
competing against the likes of Honda Jazz for 10 kEUR.
 
> But I'm pretty sure there are *plenty* of patents that would get in the way
> of a small-time operator trying to build one.  One of the major
> manufacturers with patent trading deals with the other major
> manufacturers--and huge legal departments and budgets--could do it, though.

The new E-Smart is targeted to hit 16 kEUR. Still more money than I care
to spend for that kind of performance, but at least it's getting there.