Thursday, May 15, 2008

Electric Cars vs. Air Cars

I am currently enjoying my study with air compressed powered vehicles since I am a bit knowledgeable already about how electric vehicle works. But which is better for today's technology? I believe both has its own advantages and disadvantages. Allow me to enumerate some points.

Electric Cars:
(+) Some EV's have bigger space for passengers and storage than air cars
(+) Reliability and durability is already proven to last
(+) More quiet and better acceleration and top speed
(+) Technology is more mature and much easier to adapt
(+) Lesser maintenance parts (depending on the technology like MIEV)

(-) Shorter range compared to air compressed vehicles
(-) Expensive battery replacements
(-) Less flexible to be used with off-roaders whilst might short circuit during water fording
(-) Some EV's have longer charging time.

Air Car
(+) More lightweight
(+) Longer range 50-100% better than some EV's
(+) More flexible, can be easily used in utility vehicles, boats, cars, go-carts, etc
(+) 2-3 minutes full tank fill-up time in filling stations
(+) Uses less complex components

(-) Storage of compressed air swallow more space for passengers and cargo
(-) Lesser top speed and longer 0-60mph acceleration time
(-) "Filling stations" availability

The advantages and disadvantages of both cars are changing. We expect these models to be better once a manufacturer decides to design a replacement whilst a new generation of their model. Both cars don't emit carbon dioxide and I hope both will see light for consumers.

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