Battery chuck ‘em

I was pleasantly surprised at reading about Renault's intention of developing 'quick drop stations' to swap batteries in their electric cars. For the past two or more years I have been banging on about the ignoring of the vast network of petrol stations whenever the subject of electric cars is discussed. Surely, like television sets, it is possible for the industry to agree on a standard battery for electric cars that could be changed at any petrol station? After all, when electric cars are in the majority of car sales are we to watch petrol stations slowly and painfully disappear?

Asked on 4 September 2010 by PD, Woking

Answered by Honest John

The industry would have to agree to the standardised battery carrier
adopted by Renault because for this to make sense, hundreds of thousands of cars would have to use the same system. And there is now talk by Tesla founder Martin Eberhard of batteries capable of powering cars for 500 miles. Meanwhile the Plug in Prius, the Volt, the Ampera, and other hybrids that recharge themselves with a petrol or diesel engine make more sense. The trouble is, while we rely on coal and oil fired power stations, the average CO2 output for electric cars including power station emissions is 128g/km, which is greater than the average 105g/km for hybrids like the Prius.

Tags: buying new cars economical electric cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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