Roofs seem easy to adapt and re-engineer. Not a mystery I mean.
Conceptually easy does not necessarily mean cost efficient. Different buildings of different ages and design means you need to evaluate each one on its own = time & money. With California's solar requirement on new single family homes I could see something similar on other new structures.
It occurred to me the other day that Aptera's solar car could be a very good fit for me, I drive once every few weeks and park on the street or in a lot that will not have EV charging for many many years. Not at all sure Aptera will make and sell a viable product and I hope my current beater lasts a lot longer but could be a cool option down the line.
How quick does modern gas go bad in a tank? I'm like you. I don't have an electric car and only use a few gallons every few weeks. I guess sunshine never goes bad.
From ChatGPT:
"The lifespan of gasoline in a car's tank can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the gasoline, storage conditions, and the presence of additives. Generally, gasoline can start to degrade over time due to factors such as evaporation, oxidation, and contamination. Here are some rough guidelines:
1. **Fresh Gasoline:** Fresh gasoline can typically last for about three to six months in a car's tank before it starts to degrade noticeably.
2. **Gasoline with Stabilizers:** If you use a fuel stabilizer additive, the gasoline's lifespan can be extended to around 9-12 months. Fuel stabilizers help prevent oxidation and other forms of degradation.
3. **Premium Gasoline:** Higher octane gasoline might have slightly longer shelf life compared to regular gasoline due to its additional additives, but the difference is not usually significant.
4. **Temperature and Storage:** Gasoline degrades faster at higher temperatures, so storing your car in a cool, shaded place can help extend the lifespan of the fuel.
5. **Additives:** Some gasoline brands include detergents and additives that can help maintain the quality of the fuel for a longer time. These additives can vary between brands.
6. **Ethanol Content:** Gasoline with ethanol (such as E10, which contains 10% ethanol) tends to absorb moisture from the air, leading to quicker degradation. Ethanol-blended gasoline can start to degrade within a couple of months.
It's important to note that while the gasoline might degrade in terms of its combustion efficiency over time, it doesn't necessarily become harmful to your engine. However, very old or degraded gasoline might lead to harder starting, reduced fuel efficiency, and possibly even engine knocking.
If you plan to store your car for an extended period without driving it, consider using a fuel stabilizer and filling the tank to reduce the amount of air and moisture inside, which can slow down the degradation process. If you're uncertain about the quality of the gasoline in your car's tank, it's a good idea to drain and replace it before starting the vehicle after a long period of inactivity."
Then the general web says gas with ethanol can starts to degrade before 3 months, but then is still not bad for the engine. I get fuel monthly or so; not really concerned about it. If I really cared about my car I would have done better about getting regular oil changes when I was driving more :-)
I am guessing even in the winter there will be enough sunny days to charge it up over the 7-14 days it just sits around, or I <gasp> drive to a grocery store and charge it while shopping. But using Lyft/Uber once my car dies may still be cheaper than buying a replacement - but will I choose to go fewer places because of the out of pocket cost? Problems for future me.
Topic: Electric Cars: Can they finally become popular in the United States? (Read 554602 times)
