> That looks like a linear motor, which unless I'm missing something is spectacularly power hungry. They are, by themselves, not more power hungry than the cor

> That looks like a linear motor, which unless I'm missing something is spectacularly power hungry. They are, by themselves, not more power hungry than the corresponding type of rotary motors. Their biggest problem regarding power usage is that they can't use gears to gain mechanical advantage. Since electric motor losses are roughly proportional to their torque (or force, in case of linear motor), it is often the case that the linear motor will require more power. But a quick look at some of the windshield wipers mechanisms shows that rotary motors that drive them are in a mechanically pretty disadvantageous position, with a very short lever arm compared to what a linear motor would be. So it might work well in this case.