EEStor powered bicycles may be cheap alternative to Chevy Volt

http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2008/10/01/eestor-powered-bicycles-may-be-cheap-alternative-to-chevy-volt/
The Chevy Volt is getting lots of attention because of its promise to provide 40 miles of gas free transportation. If GM used the type of battery that EEStor is promising, that range could be extended to 300 miles. But what about the folks that can’t afford a Chevy Volt? Light Electric Vehicles Company has some smaller (cheaper) solutions for you.

Though not as glamorous as a Chevy Volt, Light Electric Vehicles Company is planning to release a set of electric powered vehicles that use two or three wheels. That means a small two person car or a bicycle, according to a company press release.

The especially interesting part about the company’s upcoming product is its intention to use battery power generated by EEStor’s ultracapacitor. Essentially that means a whole lot of power packed into a small form factor.

Carl Watkins, President of LightEVs says “We are extremely happy to reach an agreement with EEStor to provide its new battery technology to the bicycle, scooter and motorcycle markets of the world. We have watched EEStor continue to make progress in proving their ability to produce ultra-high performance multilayer barium titanate ceramic capacitors in production quantities. They have met or exceeded each of their technology milestones, as verified by outside laboratories, and the remaining steps all utilize well established industry techniques.”

Which brings up a good point, EEStor has yet to provide a functioning prototype for public consumption. It has worked with an independent verification agency but otherwise its work remains largely an idealistic description on paper.

Still, with sound financial backing and exclusive deals with more than a couple of manufacturers like Zenn and LightEVs, EEStor must have a compelling story to share with those it trusts. It sounds like an area GM needs to explore for its Chevy Volt project.

Especially if that means more people will be driving Volts than electric bicycles.

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