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What is the next "big thing"?
(kbin.social)
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this post was submitted on 22 Apr 2024
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Asklemmy
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Are we? There's still plenty of space for solar and wind. Including large battery installations for cities. It doesn't really feel like we're hitting a limit there anytime soon.
We are not. Not yet, anyway; energy growth has been exponential historically, so it might "only" be a century.
Even if we had limitless energy, though, Earth can only radiate so much heat. I've seen it calculated as 400 years of growth max, generously. Before then we have to just stop growing, or leave Earth. All that to say fusion is probably the last energy tech we'll ever need.
We can't even make good battery for EVs....
Stationary batteries with no limit on weight or even temperature should be way easier. It just comes down to how much easier exactly. If someone finds a cheap enough chemistry that is the next big thing.
Failing that, pumped water or air energy storage is decent, if a bit more awkward to install.
While I agree that there needs to be some big growth in portable batteries like those in EVs, there are options for cities. Since they wouldn’t need to move, heavier and denser batteries become feasible. I’ve heard good things about molten salt batteries.
Right now I could buy an EV with 520km range for 36k€. It's rapidly getting better.
Now tell me how long do you need to charge that from 0 to 100%? 🤭
You do know EV sales stall because of that, right? And the concern of battery lifespan.
You do realize most people charge at home? It doesn't matter how long it takes when the car is just sitting there (you'll even save time compared to driving to the gas station).
Manufacturers also give 7+ years warranty on batteries by now, but even after 10 years a battery doesn't just break, you only lose a few percent of range (if this wasn't already calculated into the buffer, depends on the car).
In what fantasy world are you living? EVs just hit an all-times sales record last year. This is for the US, but it's similar all over the world:
You know people's biggest limitation when purchasing is EV range compared to fossil fuel right?
Last year? What year is it now?
No, it's not. Most people, even in the US, can easily use the range. You don't go to a cross country roadtrip every day.
You drive to work, go grocery shopping, drive home and that's usually it. A range of 400km+ with new EVs is easily enough. Or do you drive to the gas station every 2 days with your current car?
And even if you go on a roadtrip, after driving for 4 hours you might want to take a break anyway.
You do realize there is no data available for the future? We aren't there yet.