Re: (ET) Fwd: [EVDL] The Case for the Electric Tractor

[Darryl McMahon <darryl econogics com>]

David, I agree.  I think there are some PV technologies in the high 
teens for efficiency, but these are for satellites and other 
price-is-no-object applications, not for commercial grade product.

My sense is that battery amortization may not be quite as big an issue 
for the tractors as for on-road EVs.  Current draws are not usually as 
high.  The ETs seem to have batteries that last more than a decade.  My 
on-road EVs seem to get about 4 years.

Anyway, my main reason for posting was to let other electric tractor 
enthusiasts know that the technology is getting some mention in the 
mainstream.

Darryl

David Roden wrote:
> On 24 Aug 2007 at 15:11, Darryl McMahon wrote:
>
> > solar panels are the most efficient way of converting
> > radiant sunlight energy into electricity (approaching 20% vs 1% or
> > much less for plants). 
>
> Where do they get this number?  I think I've read that mass-produced PV is 
> around 10% efficient at normal operating temperatures.  
>
> I may have missed it, but they also don't seem to have figured battery 
> amortization into the operating costs.  For road EVs, this is the largest 
> contribution to per-mile expense, and I'd bet that this will also be true 
> for an electric tractor in daily service.
>
> I'm not saying they're wrong or that they shouldn't explore this option.  
> Far from it!  It's just that I think we as EV fans hurt ourselves when we 
> aren't realistic about the utility and costs of electric transport.
>
>
> David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA


--
Darryl McMahon
It's your planet.  If you won't look after it, who will?

The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy (now in print and eBook)
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