The future of the towcar (crystal ball gazing)

viatorem replied on 14/02/2020 17:15

Posted on 14/02/2020 17:15

There's much discussion on CT regarding the demise of the internal combustion engine and the impact on our hobby.  What would an ideal future look like and could it happen?

There's no doubt that the electric car driven by batteries or fuel cells will become more efficient and cost effective. Will we need a large towcar in the future? Maybe not. What if the same technology used for electric cars is applied to leisure vehicles? A caravan could have a large built in battery both for powering the caravan systems and maybe for providing tractive effort through driven wheels. This would both extend range and reduce the size of electric towcar needed .Maybe there will be a leisure vehicle that is a bridge between caravans and motorhomes. A personal transport towing module integrated fifth wheel style to a camper module, possibly a roof height articulated connection towards the centre of the tow module wheelbase for stability.  Automated detachment and self leveling, water and waste tanks as current motorhomes. 6 or 8 wheels all driven. It could be possible to have power sharing between the batteries in each module so when you go shopping hookup, to  a fast charger then return and top up the camper module thus enabling off grid combined with extensive rooftop solar panels of course.

Just a thought.

 

Rayrowe35 replied on 16/02/2020 21:06

Posted on 16/02/2020 21:06

There are many serious problems to the idea of an all electric future, even with hydrogen replacing the battery. Electric motors require rare earth magnets for which sufficient metal has not been sourced. Hydrogen is produced mainly at present by steam reforming natural gas or other fossil fuels. This uses large amounts of energy and produces carbon dioxide. Electrolysis is an alternative again requiring large amounts of electricity to operate. A power station in UK takes 20 years to plan and even longer to build. Does anyone believe electric vehicles will be the norm in 15 years time.

Regards,

Ray Rowe.

viatorem replied on 17/02/2020 08:10

Posted on 17/02/2020 08:10

There are both permanent  magnet and induction non magnet motors used for EVs. So rare earth magnets do not have to be used, no doubt supply and demand will eventually sort out which motor dominates. 

Tesla and GM use a 3 phase induction motor, it uses copper but no magnets.

 

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