ElectricCar.com launches hybrid limo service, donates to wireless transmission tech
The idea of companies renting hybrid sedans and limousines is certainly not new. ElectriCar.com is trying to stand out in the increasingly crowded space by offering some unique services and committing to investments in new technology. ElectriCar.com is a new variant of the online reservation service already offered by LimoRes.net. LimoRes and ElectriCar both aggregate limousine rental services. The websites allow users to put in a pickup and drop off location and date. The information is then passed over to one of 200+ affiliated rental agencies to actually execute the rental. The ElectriCar.com site allows customers to rent hybrid vehicles like the Lexus LS600h or RX400h.
In addition, ElectriCar has also committed to giving a percentage of its revenue to CarbonFund.org for carbon offsets. More importantly, ElectriCar has committed to giving five percent of its total revenue to research and development efforts aimed at creating wireless power transmission systems. The goal is to eliminate the need for huge batteries by sending power remotely to electric cars as they drive. If successful only a smaller battery would be required that could provide transient power for acceleration and bridge coverage gaps. Of course any such system is still many years in the future - if its possible at all - and huge infrastructure investments will be needed. Thanks to Mike for the tip!
[Source: ElectriCar.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
bingmobo 10:13AM (10/29/2008)
Nikola Tesla did it nearly 100-years ago... I'd say it's "possible".
Not to mention incredibly PRACTICAL. Transmission w/o wires means very little loss due to the wire/cable resistance and multiple power station links.
BRILLIANT! So glad that J.P. Morgan (the individual gone conglomerate who stamped out Tesla's dream) is finally being ignored.
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Peter 11:48AM (10/29/2008)
Is this not the definition of false advertising? All of their cars are parallel hybrids which are fueled only by gasoline. They may recover some braking energy electrically, but at the end of the day the only way to add net energy to the vehicle is with gasoline.
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