Global Warming

[wacki]

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The initial batteries used basically took up the entire trunk space. And the original prototypes couldn't recharge at higher speeds. So really I guess it depends on where you draw the line for when the technology is "developed". All I was saying with that example is that there is often a big gap in time and money from when the first model that actually achieved the main goal (in this case higher efficiency) is built and when the product is actually put into production.

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Ok, it looks what you consider the "production stage" is what is really the R&D stage.

When the battery is too big you call in the chemists to make it smaller. That is the R&D. When the battery is finally small enough to be practical you call in the Industrial engineers to see if they can make it cheaply. That is the production stage.

When you say we could have had hybrids 10 years ago I hope you can see why the technology wasn't ready when they are using trunks filled with batteries. I hope you can see why the average person wouldn't consider buying that car and why it isn't a competitive product. That has NOTHING to do with the production stage. Hybrids weren't ready then, and to be honest hybrids may or may not be ready in a year. They still aren't a better product right now. What will make the difference with them being a better product is not then industrial engineer. Although MIT's batteries may of changed that, I don't know. Still, MIT just announced it and when the performance is solidified in the lab I really doubt it will take them a year to get a factory to make it.


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So really I guess it depends on where you draw the line for when the technology is "developed".

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You draw the line the same way everyone else in the field draws the line, by who is doing the research to make a product that can compete. Is it the chemists? Or the guys that are trying to design an efficient factory?