Thanks to not so new concept conversion from petrol or diesel could be easier and cheaper then we tough ( in nearest future). Instead of trying to fit electric motor and connect to existing power drive, remove all together and attach new wheels with inbuilt electric motor already. Concept is so cleaver because also allow for broad competition between wheels manufacturer, regardless of any big car manufacturer willingness to capture or dominate the market. You still may have your favourite brand car - Mercedes, Holden or Toyota but wheel with wide power range of inbuilt electric motor, you could choose like tyres today. Michelin looks promising and since 2004 when concept was presented the time is coming... http://www.hybridcars.com/technology/protean-continues-campaign-wheel-electric-motors-30599.html

Unlimited recharges, no toxic chemicals, no heavy metals no brainer really http://www.gizmag.com/scientists-give-new-life-to-thomas-edisons-nickel-iron-battery/23102/

I don't know. I think electric motors have a much better torque spread, so that 30kw may feel like more than you think, plus there would be no driveline losses. With presumably, 120kw at the wheels, that should be a reasonable performer. Although there would be people overvoltingthem/supercooling them to get more than the stock 30kw out

http://www.futurity.org/science-technology/scientists-create-new-paint-on-battery/

the home made hydrogen-on-demand mods people have added to their cars look interesting. since my surfing cars worth nothing, i thought i might try putting one on and see if it works

Don't know about that - a couple of local kids did well converting their car a few years back (don't know what happened to them, went quiet very quick!) http://www.standard.net.au/news/local/news/general/rising-fuel-prices-turn-young-brothers-into-inventors/786579.aspx

Electric motors produce maximum torque at zero revs and it drops off from there as the revs build. Hence, they're excellent for quick acceleration from a standstill, but not so classy for overtaking at speeds higher up the scale. Because of this attribute they would be ideal for inner city commuting. All you need are suitable batteries at a less than extortionate price.

All those 'hydrogen from water' and browns gas generators are a con. You can never get the same energy out of burning the gas as you had to put into the system to split it into hydrogen and oxygen in the first place. They appear to work really well for a short demonstration because the power needed is sucked out of the battery. Once the battery is flat then it all falls in a heap because the battery is recharged by the engine which is running on the hydrogen that is generated by the battery,.. which is recharged by the engine which is running on the hydrogen that is generated by the battery,.. which is recharged by the engine which is running on the hydrogen that is generated by the battery,.. which is,.. and so on. If each step was 100% efficient then you would at least break even, but each step is inefficient so it quite soon flattens the battery and the car is again just running on petrol and trying to recharge a flat battery. The idea is not new. It's been around for a hundred years. It's always announced with much fanfare as some great new invention. Suckers flock in and hand over their money for shares in the company or to buy plans so they can make it themselves. Some of them put one on their car and if they want to hit the headlines they announce it as a huge success,... and then it quietly fades away because it is all a big smoke and mirrors magic trick. It doesn't work. It never has. It never will, because the underlying principle is wrong. The tried and true principle is, You get nothing for nothing. If you want to amuse yourself then go ahead and do it but DON'T PAY ANYONE ANY MONEY. {edit} I just read the article listed on that link. It was in June 2008. Gee! If it was even half as good as they said it was you think they would have made a killing flogging it off by now. I wonder why we haven't heard any more about it?? Oh,.. I know. Big Oil paid them a million dollars to shut them up? I don't think so.

...or worse, to be honest I haven't heard of them since the article was published!

That video was smoking hot!!!

For the hydrogen nonsense to work it would have to defy the laws of science. Talk to me about affordable batteries that hold a big charge then electric cars will be worthwhile but only because they can't tax the fuel like they do petrol.

Unless, of course, the fuel (electricity supply) is from a power station that burns fossil fuel and there is a carbon tax in place!

I would consider one of these if they were in Aus.

If you think a bit, imagine that in developed countries very soon everybody want one 4 wheels vehicle as we have. Give them 12 cylinders or eight at least (because that desire for power under the hood is conversely proportional to grey matter under the scalp) Multiply that by 2 or 4 billions at least to see the scale of the problem. I would rather see them in eggomobile. You could fit 14 in one car park space, or take to your appertment in high rise skyscraper if fits into the lift only

Here's my two favorite electric light weight vehicles. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s2909593.htm http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s2868444.htm Plus the dirt bike industry is adapting to noise complaints... They are are developing electric bikes will virtually ZERO noise, other than a low hum for the electric motor, and the quiet splatter of some gravel, grit, and mud hitting the mud guards!!

I can see egg mobile as prototype for something better. What we need is all weather vehicle and I agree with you 100% no more then 100kg. Egobile could/should travel in more horizontal position and stand up for parking or slow peace movements. This cocoon should protect well in the case of accident - better then motorbike do.