Check This out.

[Voltmein]

I came across some really interesting information while researching solar-voltaic charging stations with capacitors to store daytime current creation. Check out this info.....it could possibly be a real game changer for EVs. http://www.ideaspike.com/ultracaps.shtml

[gaulfinger]

Yes, they are interesting. I have seen DIY EVs that use ultra capacitors http://www.metricmind.com/ac_honda/main2.htm.

I've long thought that using them in combination with batteries to handle intense regen and store power for rapid acceleration - a buffer for the batteries to reduce the most extreme charge/discharge scenarios.

The real problem is weight. We can stuff all sorts of things in a car to make it more powerful, regen better, have longer range. But the trade-in weight (and then complexity) make it a bit more challenging.

[DCFusor]

I note that in the article it says the manufacturer is "on track to exceed battery capacities by 2007" - and here we are and yet no super cap is even close...to NiMH, much less Li ion.

If it (marketing copy) works on the venture capitalists, then its done its job. There's more scammy blue sky in alt energy than almost anyplace else.

[gaboothjr]

I can't believe that Eestor has resurfaced. I see the info in this article harkens back to 2007 so the poster probably doesn't know what a scam Eestor foisted on the public.

[bonaire]

Not really a good idea. Any solar-charging EV station (if public) should be grid-tied. What happens if such a station as described has a full capacitor? The solar energy has nowhere to go and would have to be bled off somewhere. Grid-tie it and the excess is sent to the grid and if at-night, pull energy from the grid to charge an EV plugged in.

[DonC]

If it (marketing copy) works on the venture capitalists, then its done its job. There's more scammy blue sky in alt energy than almost anyplace else.

+1 I think Mickey Bly said something about there being liars, damned liars, and battery manufacturers. Which gets me thinking, where is the EESTOR product?

[Voltmein]

My apologies!

I didn't pay close enough attention to the article's date. I realize there are a lot of pie in the sky ideas out there as well as scams. I guess I let my exuberance for new technological advances get the better of me this time. We that said, I'm betting that if the right people put the heads together, that the ultracapacitor could one day be a very viable solution. I've also seen some articles related to new battery design that's suppose to reduce weight as well as cost and reduce charging times significantly.

I'd love to see the Volt achieve an all electric range closer to the 100 mile mark but retain the on board generator for unlimited range capabilities. I'd also love to see Chevy introduce a Volt model like the original concept design for those of us that like the sleek chopped top look.

Thanks for all the feedback!