Another great possiblity.
I could see using this to commute to work and using the Prius for the longer trips.

I've got a model sterling engine at home. All it needs is a heat source and air and it runs. The model has a little tin tray holding alcohol with a wick. The simple flame is all that's needed to make the engine run. If it can be perfected, it will be a great addition to engine possibilities.

That is interesting. Glad to see the Th!nk (or Think, as they called it here) isn't dead, but it's still not being produced yet. With these names being mentioned, it could see the light of day eventually. Dean Kamen kind of reminds me of Steve Jobs, except he's not a billionaire (at least I don't think so, but he's definitely not hurting) and he doesn't have the name recognition Jobs does. Add in some Google money and other talent and stir.

About the Stirling engine, if I recall correctly, it's pretty efficient and definitely versatile, but doesn't produce much torque, so in the era of cheap oil it didn't make sense to spend much time on it. But in this application, where apparently it produces electricity and then the electricity drives the car (serial hybrid) it makes sense. But I couldn't determine what powered the Stirling engine, other than it reportedly meets indoor air quality requirements.

The originals were fantastic little cars. WAY better for my use than a GEM, for example. These things actually had some range, and could go 50mph. (the new one will have better range AND speed). Wouldn't want it on the freeway, but it is perfect anywhere else. LOVED the first car, and can't wait to see the new ones. The question is - as usual - how will we get them here?

Here's me taking a spin in one of the originals.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Jul 30 2007, 11:04 AM) [snapback]487513[/snapback]</div>

Hey Darell, do you know what the dimensions are? Doesn't look any smaller than my (classic) Mini.

I'd have no problem using something that size in freeway traffic as long as it could do freeway speeds and have at least average acceleration (gotta have a way to get out from under those giant SUVs before they squash you!)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kablooie @ Jul 30 2007, 11:01 AM) [snapback]487425[/snapback]</div>

The sterling cycle engine was perfected a long time ago, and was used for very large ship engines. Like other external combustion engines, there have been problems making them practical for automobile use. Hopefully Dean has some good ideas about that.

Tom

Please tell me there's another half of this vehicle that's not shown.......

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Jul 30 2007, 03:42 PM) [snapback]487650[/snapback]</div>

Sterling engines need heat and cool. Sea water provides the cool and so they are much easier to apply in marine vehicles. Submarines use these also. Seems like a good way to use wasted heat but the temperature difference necessary to produce useable power is large.

Maybe Sterling could be employed for cogeneration with a micro turbine.