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The situation might be different if there were an absolute standard on battery packs and there were quick swap stations where a pack could be replaced in the ti

The situation might be different if there were an absolute standard on battery packs and there were quick swap stations where a pack could be replaced in the time it presently takes to fill up; by a completely automated system. In that environment the storage cells would end up being leased, probably by a third party that sets up a contract among the stations and end users (ok several for competition). It might work out; but it just isn't anywhere near as simple as dispensing 20 gallons of toxic, volatile, extremely flammable material.

sandworm101 8y ago
>> toxic, volatile, extremely flammable material. It doesn't have to be those things. Diesel isn't volatile, or even very flammable compared to other bits of your car. Toxic depends on perspective. Don't drink the stuff, but it is possible to source diesel from renewable sources. Zero-carbon doesn't necessarily mean not burning fuels in an engine. There are zero-carbon fuel cycles, even fuel made from atmospheric carbon.
avip 8y ago
That was the BetterPlace model [0]. All is left are several deserted battery-change stations across Israel [1]. I think the fact this model failed miserably in the tiniest of countries is telling. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Place_(company) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Place_(company) [1] https://images.haarets.co.il/image/fetch/w_544,q_auto,c_fill,f_auto/fl_any_format.preserve_transparency.progressive:none/https://www.themarker.com/polopoly_fs/1.3605020.1485941462!/image/3489816699.jpg https://images.haarets.co.il/image/fetch/w_544,q_auto,c_fill...