http://gigaom.com/cleantech/the-battery-performance-deficit-disorder/
In "The battery performance deficit disorder" Tom Murphy (an associate professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego) attacks the viability of battery electric cars by knocking down straw men and employing red herrings (arguments which are intentionally misleading or distracting from the actual issue).
The article cites anecdotal stereotypes of battery failure, and provides some neat graphs and charts related to energy-power tradeoff.
Here are a few of Murphy's red herrings:
Most revealing is Murphy's statement:
In "The battery performance deficit disorder" Tom Murphy (an associate professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego) attacks the viability of battery electric cars by knocking down straw men and employing red herrings (arguments which are intentionally misleading or distracting from the actual issue).
The article cites anecdotal stereotypes of battery failure, and provides some neat graphs and charts related to energy-power tradeoff.
Here are a few of Murphy's red herrings:
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Fact: We won't "wake up to a declining global availability of petroleum". Oil supplies will be readily available for at least another 100-years, but prices will continue to rise.
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Fact: Batteries need not ever rival the energy density of gasoline in order to be viable as a vehicle power source.
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Fact: Battery costs continue their predictable decline over time, while gasoline prices will continue to increase.
Most revealing is Murphy's statement:
So there it is laid bare: he'd like a Chevrolet Volt, but since he is not willing to spend for more than a cheap car, he trashes the technology. The man has the emotional maturity of a jealous child.
