Fisker Claims New EMotion Will Use Breakthrough Ultracapacitors To Achieve 400-Mile Range

Article: "...ultracapacitor to store enough energy...to run a “theoretical” 400 miles per charge..."


Let's look at this again when the REAL numbers come out. In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there's a world of difference between practice and theory.

I'll be applauding like crazy if this theoretical improvement pans out to be a real one, and it delivers on the promise. If so, I hope it catches on amongst other hybrid/EV makers.

People get so excited about range, when the real technological hurdle is to be able to recharge fully in the same time it takes to fill a gas tank from empty to full. Solving that will make EVs viable.

They are already viable. What do you think hundreds of thousands of people have been driving for the past six years?

MDarringer: There are TWO issues that challenge EVs for many consumers: (1) Relatively short range on a single charge, and (2) relatively long refueling (recharge) times, compared to an ICE vehicle.

If a manufacturer addressed EITHER one of these issues, then consumers' concerns ease to let them drive far enough to satisfy most/all missions, OR to refuel (recharge) quickly and conveniently enough for their needs.

If an EV had an 800 mile range but took 8 hours (overnight) to recharge, it would still be an ultra viable primary/only vehicle for most people, providing that charging facilities were ubiquitous (e.g., home, work, hotels, restaurants).

Perhaps the future is in standardized swappable battery packs if you can get the manufacturers to agree. When you pull in to refuel you actually leave your pack to recharge for a future customer while you (using some automated machine) simply put in a fully charged pack. This is not likely in the short run but perhaps in 10-20 years...

Completely Agree. This past two Saturdays I drove to Florida from New Jersey(and back) - leaving early in the morning - and getting to my destinations by 8pm - trips of about 1150 miles - something no Tesla has the possibility of doing much less any other ev. I do this drive several times a year (I prefer driving to flying because I have MY car). Even an EV with an 800 mile range could not do it. I have suggested battery swaps in the past - but that would require government intervention - due to competition issues. And until there is a way to recharge in about 10 minutes or so - the gas engine will still be the best choice. Since there is no longer any shortage of gasoline in the world - and prices are likely to be stable for years - the EV may be the answer for those who live in the suburbs - for driving in and out of a city - but the people in the city have OTHER problems - with charging a problem where they have no garage to put the car into.

Even with an EV of 400 mile range, I cannot drive to Newport Beach and back and I do that three times a month.

Great points by Matt and Tom. I would add that even for folks who use a vehicle primarily for daily commuting there are many that that shy away from an EV because of the "what if" factor. What if I need that vehicle for a weekend trip, as a backup when my other car is in the shop, etc. etc. Human nature wants to avoid the hassle of not having a "my car" available.

Too many reasons to hang on to your ICE cars. You guys have the same logic as my children insisting on keeping our minivan because we take road trips a few times a year. We have a minivan, but also have an SUV as well as a large sedan but they say the SUV and sedan are not spacious enough to accommodate long distance travel.

It all boils down to compromises and choices. Drive what you want, but keep bringing the inconvenience of EV charging is getting lamer by the day. Look at the inconvenience of getting gas for your ICE car every week (or every few days) for comparison - not to mention routine maintenance, repairs, ...

Traditional car makers are apparently counting on ICE diehards like you to stonewall the EV development, but with more research and technological breakthroughs like this, the future of EV is bright. Embrace it instead.

@TheSteve - well put on the i) range or ii) the recharge.

Look-Actually three things have to happen for EV's to be completely viable in the market place. Actually there are four things as I forgot infrastructure. 1)Price needs to similar to a gas powered vehicle of similar size and market(without government rebates)2)Range needs to be a solid 250 miles to a charge with all the electrical items turned on(lights, radio, A/C or heat etc). 3) The charge time should be no more than 5 to 7 minutes(And even that's too long compared to a gasoline engine vehicle. However I would take the leap for that if it met all my other criteria)4)Infrastructure-You have to have enough electrical charging stations to the same degree as you have gas stations for gas powered vehicles. Only then is the mainstream public going to open to changing over to an electric vehicle's.
Currently the appeal is to mostly affluent people who can afford to have an EV as a second or third vehicle and don't mind charging their vehicle overnight or planning their schedule accordingly around their EV. They must be given credit because they feel they are making an environmental statement that they want to be apart of. The average person who is not affluent does not care for this. Unfortunately that is the person you have to sell to in order to truly make the switch over to EV's be they batteries or Charge Capacitors. And my other dumb question of the day-What they hell do you do if there is a blackout with the electrical grid?