Topping up

Readers letters

Whilst I believe that electric power is the most likely way forward I feel that the range problem has still to be overcome

I was very interested to read that Nissan feel sufficiently confidant to go into full production of their 'Leaf'' electric car. Whilst I believe that electric power is the most likely way forward I feel that the range problem has still to be overcome. At present the only way I can see the range competing with internal combustion vehicles is to have 'filling' stations where battery packs can be exchanged for pre-charged units with the aim of making the turn-round time just a couple of minutes. This would, of course, require all manufacturers to agree on the specifications and installation of the battery packs.

Whilst I accept that the bulk of car journeys are short and allow time to recharge I (and I imagine the vast majority of families) can only afford to own one car which has to satisfy a number of differing requirements. So, for example, whilst the majority of trips may be local - to the shops or on the school run - the same car also has to be able to take the family on holiday, possibly towing a caravan. In your article it was mentioned that "driving conditions" would severely reduce the range. If "continuous high-speed operation and road gradient" could reduce the range to about half what would be the effect of a roof rack of holiday packing plus a trailer? Even a 2 minute battery replacement every 55 miles (half range for a 'Leaf') would make any long distance journey very tedious. Also, if you didn't make it to the next battery station, you couldn't take your gerry-can to get a top-up.