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So why didn't the clean and efficient design dominate then?

• jandrese 9y ago
  Because the batteries sucked. They take too long to recharge, don't hold enough charge, are heavy, are bulky, and cost too much. As ugly as a gas engine is it does offer quick refueling, long range, and low cost. It's just more practical, especially with turn of the century technology.
  • dsfyu404ed 9y ago
    >. It's just more practical, especially with turn of the century technology. Both 19th/20th and 20th/21st according to the sales numbers
    • jandrese 9y ago
      Yep. Fast charging is still an unsolved problem for electric cars (15 minutes for a 85 miles is not fast enough IMHO) although some electric scooters have swappable battery packs which do fit the bill. I do fully expect we will have these problems licked before the next turn of the century.
      • mr_overalls 9y ago
        Although Tesla abandoned the idea because of lack of interest (which I do find strange), a swapping station solves this problem. A depleted battery can be swapped for a fresh one in less time than a gasoline fillup requires.
        • felipelemos 9y ago
          Tesla uses the battery as a structural part of the chassis. A swappable battery simply would not be possible.
          • jandrese 9y ago
            Not with the current design, but it's not hard to imagine a design that makes it possible.