http://www.microturbine.com/caseStudies/hevCase1.asp
Capstone microturbine generators power electric buses at a much higher efficiency than conventional internal combustion onboard power plants.
But combined with high temperature direct fuel cells that run on various fuels (gasloine, diesel, methanol, ethanol, natural gas) 75% efficiency is now possible.
So far this technology is bus and power plant size, but there is nothing preventing the development of a 60 kw version to power electric plugin cars except the will backed by capital investment.
75% efficiency instead of the typical 17% efficiency of a normal internal combustion vehicle.
Since most driving is trips under 100 miles between the possibility of plugging in for a recharge from the utility grid and battery technology has reduced that recharge time to minutes, very few vehicles would need the auxillary fuel cell/microturbine recharger.
And even vehicles, such as long hall trucks or cabs, could be recharged for most of the miles they drive from the power grid (even cab and truck drivers need a break every few hours), only a small percentage of miles driven would rely on the fuel cell/microturbine generator.
This could reduce the percentage of fuel consumption for transportation to single digits of what is used now, if it replaced standard internal combustion transportation.
Will you soon drive an electric car with an auxillary fuel cell/microturbine that plugs into the trunk for cross country trips? The dealer plugs it in for your vacation, just in case.
With more plugin points that operate 24/7 on cards, at rest stops, restaraunts, convenience stores..as well as gas stations, even on longer trips recharging would be easy. And only take minutes with the latest battery technology.
Recharging while driving
Of course the ultimate recharge solution is power strips right in the roadway, under the asphalt. Pull into the recharge lane and a pickup coil under your vehicle picks up power from coils under the road surface...as you drive, no need to stop for "gas" (recharge).
This is a pefect electric solution for trucks, buses, (trains too)or long distance driving by car. With the internet and card accounts the power received would be properly billed to the driver's account.
