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Originally Posted by vt625  I agree. Maybe they should be using capacitors or some other way to store the electricity. But having some way to capture the regen braking forces makes so much sense, that we def need to pursue it - battery storage or otherwise. We use batteries in so many things, we need to figure out a way to dispose / recycle them regardless of their use in cars. |
The slew of hibrids out now currently have regenerative braking.
Capacitors don't have the ability to store enough energy.
18 wheelers have some of the best fuel efficiency on the road per pound. Remember, they have to be made to haul their max load with regards to engine power.
Lets say for a moment that for every 100 people, there is a single 18 wheeler. Sounds reasonable, right? (and probably WAY more people than that in reality)
Average car gets 23mpg. Average truck gets what, 2?
So for every mile that those hundred people drive, they use 4.34 gallons of gas. And that truck used half a gallon. What do you think is the biggest consumer? What is more flexible with other means of transportation? What is more of a necessity? Do the trucks have the option to take the bus, walk or buy a 4-banger?
Take a look at a modern frightliner. See what goes into making them as efficient as possible. Notice the entire cab is made of aluminum to save weight. Do you see aluminum cars driving around?
Do you see regular cars out there that struggle up long hills because they aren't grossly overpowered for the basic function of transportation like you do a tractor trailer?
The cars we all drive ARE the problem. Same with our home heating systems. Improve those and there will be no need to drill all over the world for more oil. We'll let the other countries fight over it as we watch on the sidelines and remember what is used to be like.