William Taylor

Is Fiat and Chrysler's Pullback on Electric Cars Bad News for A123 Systems?

At this point I see no point or future in electric vehicles without very major technological advances in battery development. Despite all the media hype and "green" nonsense out there they simply do not "cut the mustard".

Sure, a few enthusiastic, well meaning souls will fork over the extra money for underperforming vehicles but until we get those major breakthroughs like a super-capacitor that actually works and can be produced in quantity, (the EESTOR fantasy-dream), we are going to slog through a difficult market.
Batteries are tiny chemical devices that not only have a high carbon footprint but an inadequate life, high weight and high cost. It makes no sense for our government to subsidize them with our tax dollars.

On EESAT and Energy Storage Opportunities on the Smart Grid

As you know, John, I am a fan of BCON but I am getting a bit hesitant as I don't see much progress. I am wondering if they have a chance in this game based on their low carbon footprint and the fact that they seeming require virtually no maintenance as opposed to battery systems which degrade, need replacement and maintenance.

I think that grid operators are conservative buyers, particularly of any new technology like flywheels, and that the path to acceptance will be difficult for BCON but I am hoping that the fact that they are probably the "greenest" technology will overrule cost difficulties.
As you sure that, factoring in maintenance and replacement costs for batteries, that flywheels are not in the financial ballpark? Thanks for your work, it helps push away some of the fog of uncertainly for many of us.