I agree with Nik on this. However, if the manufacturers made a method of EXCHANGING batteries with a simple 'plug in' replacement:-
1) Drive to forecourt 2) Open the boot 3) Wheel out the old battery pack 4) Wheel in the new battery pack 5) Drive away.
.... then the problem of the time taken to recharge would be minimal. You could still recharge you car overnight or during the day while parked at work but the problem of 'distance' (whihc is really a problem of successive re-charges in a short time) would be solved.
The Lithium Ion problem could be cured by encasing the batteries in a container equally as 'hardened' as the container for the flywheel-KERS system!
We are still left with a few other problems:-
1) Petrol is cheaper and more convenient when you vector in the construction cost of the two types of power unit.
2) The performance. If you want sped, you increase ALL the costs, shorten the posibble distance, the life of the battery, the time to re-charge... etc..
3) The 'Clarkson' factor. While big (mindless) cars appeal to Clarkson and those like him, then more 'gentle' and less 'hairy chested' electric car will ALWAYS have an unhill struggle!
Ian
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