XPost: rec.arts.sf.written, rec.arts.sf.science   
   From: jclarkeusenet@cox.net   
      
   In article , gossg@gossg.org says...   
   >   
   > "Rod Speed"  wrote:   
   >   
   > >Greg Goss  wrote   
   >   
   > >>> No, its nothing like the Volt. The Volt is a full hybrid.   
   > >>> The i3 is an electric car with an optional generator.   
   >   
   > >> Is the BMW "optional" engine removable?   
   > >   
   > >No, but that is just one implementation of an electric   
   > >car with an optional range extender that uses a generator.   
   > >   
   > >> If it is not, then how is it different from a Volt?   
   > >   
   > >The Volt is a hybrid, with the engine driving the car,   
   > >not just a generator.   
   >   
   > How is the BMW different than "a small ...  engine ... powers a 55 kW   
   > generator to extend the Volt's range."  (Wikipedia) other than using   
   > half as big an engine?   
   >   
   > >> The description that was linked earlier in the thread   
   > >> made it sound like an option at purchase time, like air   
   > >> conditioning, not something that gets slid into the trunk.   
   > >   
   > >Yes, but that is just that particular implementation.   
   > >   
   > >There is no reason it couldn't be done the other way   
   > >so its only in the car when you plan to do a longer   
   > >trip outside the range of the car without it.   
   >   
   > When someone does it the other way, then it's not the same idea as the   
   > Volt.  Until they do, it's the same as any other plug-in hybrid such   
   > as the Volt or one of the Priuses.   
   >   
   > >That one isnt that heavy, it's a motorbike engine.   
   >   
   > It isn't "that" heavy, but how many random commuters can pick up a   
   > fallen 650cc bike when it falls over?  My wife had serious trouble   
   > with the 50cc bike on our training course.   
      
   The course should have included how to stand up a fallen bike--if it's a   
   heavy one you back up to it and lift with your legs and once its part   
   way up then lean into it a little.   
      
   > >> Few people have the pulleys or whatever to manhandle them.   
   > >   
   > >You don't need those if its designed to allow   
   > >the user to have it in the car when its necessary.   
      
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