On 25/06/2014, at 6:07 PM, Mike Borgelt wrote:
The Prius uses nickel metal hydride batteries and the control system
makes sure they cycle between 30% and about 80% charge. That is why
they have such a long lifetime.
You aren't going to be able to do this in an electric powered
sailplane.
It will be interesting to watch to what degree owner/operators of
electric aircraft appreciate the equation:
depth of discharge vs recharge longevity = controlled recharge / modest
power use / 'long' service life
That said, the replacement cost of a set of batteries for the Antares
is I think now around Euro 15000. Not all that bad when you consider
the cost of the sailplane. We'll get to see soon how many years the
battery packs last in that thing.
The problem with cars is: how much do you spend on a 13 year old car
which probably is worth only a few thousand dollars?
The experience (contrary to 'think tank' predictors and mindbend
critics) is that fuel efficiency continues to improve as the vehicle
ages and 'loosens up' + multi-year low wear and component failure
rates. My insurance company tells me the residual value is $8,000. My
interest in selling would begin multiples above this.
This leads to suggestions that such vehicles have a longer service life
than traditional vehicles.
Will this also be applicable to electric drive aircraft? It will be
interesting to see.
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