Karl on Cars

As a follow up to Tuesday's suggestion that plug-in hybrids and solar (or wind) energy represent the realistic solution to our energy problems I'd like to introduce the Killacycle. This is a motorcycle that does zero-to-60 in 1.4 seconds -- without burning a drop of gasoline. It's powered by $12,000 worth of lithium-ion batteries that run hot enough to boil water while pulling 4000 watts/kg and offering at least 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. They come from A123 Systems and seem to be the "Spartan" of lithium-ion batteries in terms of strength and durability.

I know there's something of a gulf between racing motorcycles and powering commuter cars. But if right now -- today -- $12,000 worth lithium-ion batteries can make a two-wheeled vehicle go 152 mph in the quarter mile (over an 18-month period with no battery failures) I'm betting a functional, $20,000 plug-in hybrid isn't that far off. Hell, I'd happily buy one even if it could only muster a 7-second zero-to-60 time. Plenty of people will insist there's no "great breakthrough" coming in battery technology. I agree. The breakthrough has already occurred. Now we just need to ramp up production and cut costs.

Funny how doing one will pretty much ensure the other.