Forget
hybrid batteries, let's focus on composites
Monday, October 14, 2008
Time
to move composites out of concepts
Yesterday, I blogged on one of my favorite out of the box
thinking autos, the Aptera
plug-in hybrid. Yet, it isn't really the plug-in
hybrid technology that inspires, instead, its the
lightweight and super strong composites that make up the
Aptera's body.
And composites aren't just about auto design and
lightweight, super strong bodies.
Applied Sciences
Inc. and Pyrograf Products Inc. believe that carbon
fiber, another composite material, could offer
battery-powered vehicles, such as the Chevy
Volt, better range by making lithium ion batteries
significantly lighter.
The role of composites in the automobile is just emerging.
Even without plug-in technology, making automobiles
significantly lighter would have very dramatic effects on
US fuel economy. Additionally, lighter and smaller
vehicles - but just as safe - could be far more
aerodynamic thanks to the superb flexibility and
malleability of composites, further increasing fuel
economy.
Along that smaller and lighter vein, automakers could
begin to truly rethink the automobile.
For instance, do we really need two seats in small cars?
Why not just one? Why not super small, but super safe
vehicles - similar to enclosed motorcycles - for daily
transportation?
Ultimately, I'm not arguing against tax credits for
plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, I fully support
them, but we need to think even further outside of the
box.
More important, if the big boys can't do it, then give
niche makers, such as Aptera, a government-incentivized
chance as well. If they hit it right, the loss of
Chrysler, for instance, won't be as detrimental if it is
replaced by a hot new tech driven automaker such as Aptera.
Congress, and the next President, can't focus on how to
save the Big 3 if they can't compete. If they can't
innovate. The Big 3 are probably better off as the Big 2,
or the Big 1, at this point in time. America doesn't need
three monstrous, inflexible automakers that specialize in
making huge gas-guzzlers. America needs innovators.
Vehicles like the Chevy Volt are a good start, but not
nearly enough. The US auto industry must think far outside
of the box, and simply putting a big new battery in the
box won't be enough.
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