Very interesting idea. Would it be possible to design something that
allows that transition: to and from rails ? It would need to be able to
make the switch in a few tenths of a second in order to respond to
emergencies. I've seen the track work trucks which have rubber tires and
steel wheels that can be lowered, but they don't have quick action.
Maybe a similar mechanism could work, though.
As for electrifying, that sounds unnecessary. True, there would be a lot
of wind resistance eating up energy, but overall the efficiency should
still go up dramatically and we are already reaching the economic point
of using a large battery for long hauls. Or, am I wrong on this: is the
majority of energy, at 70mph, used to push wind ?
Another consideration: with good "autopilot" software, drafting becomes
possible. That means a series of trucks could approach the efficiency of
a train, as far as wind resistance goes. If wind resistance is the major
player, here, then the steel rails aren't needed. Just do the drafting.
Then, there's the cost consideration: how much would it cost to put in
high quality rails on the long stretches of the Interstates ? A lot.
Peri
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------ Original Message ------
From: "Peter VanDerWal via EV" <[email protected]>
To: "Electric Vehicle Discussion List" <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Sent: 03-Dec-20 9:07:07 AM
Subject: Re: [EVDL] 'All's not well with UK public charging' / Autonomy
If that's the case, then they aught to embed steel rails in the lane. The
truck can get to/from the lane on rubber tires and then switch to steel wheels
on steel rails. Much better efficieny, reduce wear on tires (saves money) and
less micro-partical pollution.
As an added bonus the rails could be electrified to power the trucks so they
don't need to haul around tons of batteries. Power could be derived (at least
part of the time) by using solar roofs for those lanes.
This, of course, would make too much sense to ever be implemented.
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