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Technology Stocks : FCL - FuelCell Energy -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Bill Jackson who wrote (82)	12/10/1997 12:38:00 AM
From: Zeuspaul	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 407

I believe that battery driven cars have more potential than many realize. The electric motor is very simple compared to the internal combustion engine as you have pointed out. There is only one moving part. There is no need for a variable transmission. The battery is also a very simple device. It seems to me more simple than the fuel cell. The only drawback is the range. The comparison perhaps should not be to todays car. Minor changes in driving habits can compensate. ...and infrastructure..electricity everywhere but not a drop to drink! I drive 30 miles to work one way. This is probably on the high end of commuting distances. A sixty mile round trip would stretch the limits of todays battery technology. However if I had a charger in my parking stall at work I could charge the car after 30 miles and now my commute is in the range of todays battery technology. Simple charging stations similar to parking meters at shopping malls and places of business would enable the technology for many locals. I would not have to make frequent trips to gas stations, wouldn't have to make any at all. Most likely the fuel cell will require a trip to the gas station. And most likely range will increase over time with battery technology enhancements. Smart recharging braking systems can add to the range. I don't think that we can assume necessarily that the hybrid car will evolve toward the fuel cell. It may indeed continue the present direction of evolution...toward the battery for general individual transportation needs. All the technology exists today for this evolution to take place and at a reasonable cost. An electric / battery car with this type of range can be made ( many already exist) by a back yard mechanic with lead acid batteries at a low cost. With their lighter weight the ERC battery may be a better option...need more details on the battery. There is no need for a car manufacturer to charge $30000 for such a vehicle. The biggest hurdle is the infrastructure ( I don't have a charger at work, nor at the mall). The infrastructure is however a hurdle for other competing alternatives such as the fuel cell. ERC is well positioned for this scenario, Utility electric + battery