Readers discuss batteries for electric cars

on our Readers Letters page

A reader with battery experience says that a common type of battery for all cars is necessary for an efficient system to work in the future.

Batteries could then be changed at filling stations, which would be battery charging stations, for the motorist.

Changing a battery would be almost as quick as filling a car with fuel.

Getting all car manufacturers to use a standard battery would perhaps need pressure from governments.

 One reader says that clock, wrist watches and torch manufacturers already use a common battery and that it is the same principle.

We must avoid a fragmented system which would be a minefield for all concerned.

A common battery can be developed with a determination to provide a solution for our future needs.   Charging stations would eventually replace all filling stations and the change over could be as quick as the introduction of unleaded petrol and the installation of diesel pumps, which we have already experienced in recent years.

EXTRA FROM OUR RESEARCHER

 A grapevine report states that TATA Steel in India is experimenting with cars driven by compressed air.   Compressed air has long been used for drills and power tools.  Therefore it is quite feasible that compressed air could drive cars if the weight to power ratio is overcome.

It is not known if magnetic power is being considered for future transportation. As electrical engineers know, linear motors based on the principle of induction motors is already possible this, however, is more applicable to the rail network where the metal rails are used as part of the system.

Trains operated by hydrogen are being used in Germany, which avoids the cost and maintenance of overhead power lines.   Hydrogen could very well provide the answer to environmental worries in transport applications.