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How one inventor wants to boost EVs with a towable turbine

Yahoo Autos -- When Nissan unveiled its Leaf EV last year, the wedge-like machine lifted the spirits of any motorist disgruntled by the Who Killed The Electric Car? era. None more so than Sadow, who grew up criss-crossing the country thanks to his father's job with the electric golf cart giant, E-Z-Go.

"You can say I got bit by the EV bug early, around the age of 7," Sadow says.

Fast forward a few decades, and that kid is now an electrical engineering whiz who has become consumed with making this incarnation of the electric car live.

"My goal is to make the EV a success, because it's the only thing that's going to save us," he says. "Our culture is based on cars, so that's not going away. But when petroleum becomes scarce, our economy is going to tank given our dependency on foreign oil. I just

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Submitted Feb 05, 2012 By: BIGOILEATURCRUD

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honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,957 Points:1,245,100 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Feb 8, 2012 6:04:44 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse jr: you're right, not a lot of mainstreaming yet, but then ICE took about 30 years to take off.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:7,759 Points:1,248,150 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:06:10 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse EVs are not yet ready for prime time but all manner of tinkering and innovations will one day get them there. Still, not much progress has been made until the electricity for recharging is all solar generated.
joseph000 Champion Author Houston Posts:1,063 Points:205,665 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 10:21:40 AM Ignore joseph000 Report Abuse While a creative solution for this guy, it's no practical solution for us. For now, until we get better batteries, EVs are only good for short trip drivers, commuting, second vehicles, etc. Hey, they are great for that, but if you own an EV and need to go on a long trip, rent a regular car for that. But hey, if you can use an EV 350 days a year, and only rent cars a few days a year, that's way better!
wild3bill Champion Author New York Posts:2,191 Points:1,499,450 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 8:33:38 AM Ignore wild3bill Report Abuse Turn a Leaf into a Volt ;-}
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:26,016 Points:1,981,410 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 3:29:29 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse How one inventor wants to boost EVs with a towable turbine propane-powered Capstone turbine engine that spins at 100,000 rpm, has only one moving part and can help electric vehicle owners get around the lack of quick-charging stations. Install the turbine in the vehicle to produce electricity for the EV and Inbred batteries. Turbines can be made very small, so the generating ability does not take up too much room and no trailer is needed. If that French guy can fly with four turbines on his wing, an EV and Inbred can use one to generate electricity and have room for a special turbine fuel storage tank too. EV’s and Inbreds need a much longer driving/battery range, a different kind of ‘quick charge’ battery or charged battery swap, and a reasonable battery replacement price when that battery finally dies. Develop an EV battery pack that does not overheat with operation of the vehicle, when charging or in long term storage. Produce and ‘drive’ vehicles with high MPG, are very reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. The price of fuel at the pump is too high! 12/22/2012!
leekee Veteran Author Kansas Posts:389 Points:177,760 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:25:30 AM Ignore leekee Report Abuse i dont think so...
katmandue Champion Author Detroit Posts:6,268 Points:1,778,920 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:21:38 AM Ignore katmandue Report Abuse It is a waste of money
heartbroken2010 Champion Author Ottawa Posts:2,502 Points:533,455 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:21:31 AM Ignore heartbroken2010 Report Abuse would not bet on a timeline for everyone to be driving an EV , good thing EV's are, too bad you cant go very far on a single charge yet.
Focus2 Champion Author Illinois Posts:6,711 Points:1,703,300 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:21:06 AM Ignore Focus2 Report Abuse The Leaf is just too much money up front! I sat in one and talked with the dealer, but saving money with my limited driving not possible.
mrbee Champion Author Little Rock Posts:1,953 Points:2,103,040 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:20:11 AM Ignore mrbee Report Abuse No EV for me.
frostyWV Champion Author West Virginia Posts:1,541 Points:349,525 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:18:25 AM Ignore frostyWV Report Abuse time will tell.
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:4,060 Points:492,465 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:17:46 AM Ignore tedjm1 Report Abuse Weird, but is it workable?
min_fuel Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:1,820 Points:654,545 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:17:24 AM Ignore min_fuel Report Abuse Gee, I don't know. Makes you wonder?
Colts13 All-Star Author Indiana Posts:650 Points:253,470 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:17:23 AM Ignore Colts13 Report Abuse ok
pgerassi Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:9,039 Points:1,767,585 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:16:10 AM Ignore pgerassi Report Abuse Why tow it? Build the tiny gas turbine into the car as the sustainer (battery charger (serial hybrid)). Its got to be cheaper, cleaner and easier.
txkrb All-Star Author Texas Posts:854 Points:311,860 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:15:29 AM Ignore txkrb Report Abuse From article "Our culture is based on cars, so that's not going away. But when petroleum becomes scarce" For the most part the electricity to recharge the EVS comes from electricity generated from either petroleum products or coal I have wondered how do they heat EV in the winter, electric heater coils use a lot of energy Do the electric motors produce a significant amount of heat? I understand in the Prius the gas engine produces the heat in the winter If it is very cold out the gas engine would have to run a significant amount of time during a 5-10 mile commute, eliminating much of the fuel savings
must87searcher Champion Author Maryland Posts:7,157 Points:1,416,835 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:15:12 AM Ignore must87searcher Report Abuse Here is someone who is does carry the idea for advancement.
MotoDad Veteran Author Phoenix Posts:261 Points:515,370 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:15:03 AM Ignore MotoDad Report Abuse I would drive one.
mikaye Champion Author Cleveland Posts:2,235 Points:547,400 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:14:10 AM Ignore mikaye Report Abuse as soon as ev are popular, prices will rise and road usage taxes will be added (some states are already proposing adding a counter to charge cars for how many miles traveled, which will stop incentives to drive evs)
bluegrasser1 Champion Author Richmond Posts:13,109 Points:2,251,145 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:13:25 AM Ignore bluegrasser1 Report Abuse ok
TerryLee Champion Author Ohio Posts:14,290 Points:2,723,150 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:11:53 AM Ignore TerryLee Report Abuse Sounds good on paper give it a try and we'll see
Blue_Cruzer Champion Author Lexington Posts:5,673 Points:1,305,505 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:11:26 AM Ignore Blue_Cruzer Report Abuse Sounds like a winner.
tampacrvdriver Champion Author Tampa Posts:1,711 Points:357,600 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:08:51 AM Ignore tampacrvdriver Report Abuse Interesting.
carpenter4u Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,197 Points:283,390 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:08:38 AM Ignore carpenter4u Report Abuse probably won't happen in the next 35 years
Dodge_Me Champion Author Atlanta Posts:1,095 Points:233,625 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:03:58 AM Ignore Dodge_Me Report Abuse Thats so cool, to have a turbine to recharge, love it
umitb Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:1,853 Points:491,160 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:02:04 AM Ignore umitb Report Abuse ok
defiancegasman Champion Author Ohio Posts:5,863 Points:1,073,530 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 12:00:32 AM Ignore defiancegasman Report Abuse we still need a BETTER BATTERIES
cimilluca1 Sophomore Author New York Posts:193 Points:155,825 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:56:48 PM Ignore cimilluca1 Report Abuse It could be our future! Buckle up and hold on!
PoohMcGoo Champion Author South Carolina Posts:1,887 Points:474,780 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:53:30 PM Ignore PoohMcGoo Report Abuse Good luck
JesseJack52 All-Star Author Virginia Beach Posts:612 Points:124,640 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:51:37 PM Ignore JesseJack52 Report Abuse YOU'VE GOTTA LOVE AMERICAN INGENUITY
crazycow2332 All-Star Author Nashville Posts:916 Points:184,305 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:50:35 PM Ignore crazycow2332 Report Abuse ok
gmcgas Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,528 Points:1,354,690 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:50:24 PM Ignore gmcgas Report Abuse we'll see.
sljbc475 Champion Author Tucson Posts:2,375 Points:507,300 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:50:00 PM Ignore sljbc475 Report Abuse Make the vehicles hybrid versus all electric.
fenster66 Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:1,498 Points:309,915 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:48:31 PM Ignore fenster66 Report Abuse reliability and better prices are the key...
mrreferee All-Star Author Savannah Posts:652 Points:263,990 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:39:47 PM Ignore mrreferee Report Abuse well, it is not just price, which has to come down, but dependability to make folks desire them. otherwise, they are just "lawn Art"
tippybuddy Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,339 Points:181,010 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:37:09 PM Ignore tippybuddy Report Abuse I don't know what kind of car to buy in this day and age...I can't afford any of the ones that are suppose to be better...I'll just stick with my Toyota Van...for the amount of driving I do it's all I need..
CptnCanada Champion Author Saskatoon Posts:5,503 Points:708,400 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:35:45 PM Ignore CptnCanada Report Abuse E=MC2... the energy to tow it will be more than it produces
sit Champion Author Cleveland Posts:3,399 Points:1,571,115 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:35:43 PM Ignore sit Report Abuse Hmmm
sillywagon Champion Author New York Posts:11,708 Points:1,077,595 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:33:37 PM Ignore sillywagon Report Abuse Does Sadow know that propane is a crude oil byproduct?
granitestater Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:6,851 Points:1,097,870 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:31:07 PM Ignore granitestater Report Abuse This guy has sniffed too much battery acid today...
idigau22 Champion Author Washington Posts:21,119 Points:2,904,710 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:28:43 PM Ignore idigau22 Report Abuse I luv my big 4x4 truck!!
goodbuy Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,010 Points:1,092,245 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:27:54 PM Ignore goodbuy Report Abuse Just do it.
Thomtec All-Star Author Nashville Posts:713 Points:249,945 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:27:26 PM Ignore Thomtec Report Abuse Inventions need to become affordable innovations.
fuelsaverMN Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,943 Points:404,100 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:27:02 PM Ignore fuelsaverMN Report Abuse What is the point in that.
fuelsaverMN Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,943 Points:404,100 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:26:19 PM Ignore fuelsaverMN Report Abuse I would never buy an electric car.
72_Monte Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:5,948 Points:1,633,250 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:26:10 PM Ignore 72_Monte Report Abuse Kinda like pulling around a tank of extra gas.
ccf_jeff Champion Author St. Louis Posts:13,243 Points:2,200,710 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:25:36 PM Ignore ccf_jeff Report Abuse Kudos to Sadow! That's the type of entrepreneurial spirit that made America great.
radiorumor Champion Author Texas Posts:1,049 Points:392,745 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:17:36 PM Ignore radiorumor Report Abuse I get exclent milage when a truck tows me
pse91 All-Star Author Calgary Posts:612 Points:279,665 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:17:24 PM Ignore pse91 Report Abuse If they could develop a wind up car they could save the coal that fires electrical plants
orcar Champion Author Boise Posts:1,854 Points:521,260 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:16:48 PM Ignore orcar Report Abuse If they get the range up the cars would interest me.