This is just making the national news: Someone finally had the idea to combine two existing technologies -- the sterling engine, and electric motors -- to make a 100+ mpg vehicle. The guy behind it has already been awarded a patent for the concept. The concept looks sound. NASA experimented with sterling engines in vehicles a few decades ago and was able to achieve 50+ mpg. A modern internal combustion engine is only about 14 percent efficient, while the sterling engine approaches 50 percent efficiency. The new approach is similar to how a diesel-electric train operates. The sterling engine is only used to power a generator. The wheels are then turned with electric motors. Man builds 100mpg engine using 200-year-old technology | Fox News
It will be interesting to watch the patent. If one of the major automobile companies buys it then the above article may be the closest you ever get riding in one of those cars.
You mean the oil companies? The car companies would be lining up to make them, because something like that isn't built for endurance, and there would be high turnover.
interesting notes on the efficiency of the combustion engine. Is it higher with diesels? What is the efficiency of the electric/battery powered engines? Wonder what Elon thinks about this one.
Don't know for sure. I'm guessing the 14 percent in the article is for diesels, which traditionally are a little more efficient than gasoline engines. Not being an engineer, I really don't know. If I had to take a wild guess, I'd say he would be for it. He has mentioned that one of the goals of Tesla was to encourage innovation in the automotive sector.
Hmm That's interesting. I know a guy who has his truck hooked up to run on propane gas or regular gas. Seems to work out very well for him. I think he has to unhook the gas when he takes it in for a smog check though. I just don't like how most electric or hybrid cars look. Not cool looking at all.