Dean Kamen Combines Stirling Engine With Electric Car 324
Colin Smith writes "Dean Kamen, (inventor of the Segway) has combined a Stirling engine with a battery-powered electric vehicle based on the Ford Think to provide a fully decoupled electric hybrid car which can run on any fuel which can provide enough heat to run the Stirling generator. Think are also producing a purely battery 'Think City' car which is capable of 62mph and with a range of 126miles." Some stats on the Ford Think: Top speed, 55mph; 0-30, 6.5 seconds; Range, 60 miles on battery.
Think CITY?? (Score:4, Funny)
This should have been called a "Think Village", because I doubt any large enough city will have traffic that is forgiving enough to allow a small electric car to reach 30 (either kph or mph) in 6.5 seconds. Seriously, just start counting off 6.5 seconds right now.
Diagram (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Diagram (Score:3, Funny)
I can't find the vas deferens, is there another diagram?
Re:Diagram (Score:5, Funny)
I can't find the vas deferens, is there another diagram?
Well, there is a vas deferens between a Stirling Cycle engine and a conventional internal combustion engine.
Wood burning car? (Score:3, Funny)
I'm looking forward to being able to toss a couple armfuls of firewood in the trunk of my car and running errands.
Re:Too Slow (Score:5, Funny)
Just by looking around on the road you can tell people are chomping at the bit to drive a tiny tin can looking car, especially if that car is also slow as hell. In fact, the less likely (real or perceived) someone with boobs *and shaved armpits* will give it a second look, the better.
Fixed that for you.
Stirling Engine (Score:4, Funny)
The Stirling engine is pretty neat. It'll run on hot air.
If we install a bunch of them in Washington DC, the energy problem of the US will be solved for good.
Re:Think CITY?? (Score:2, Funny)
Re:stirling engine is a no-go (Score:4, Funny)
So instead of backing into a parking space you freeze solid in the middle of the road??? No thanks!!!