Another step closer to Electric Boats

[slowJEEP]

We're one more jump in battery technology away from having viable electric boats. Nuclear energy isn't new but getting a commercially available option may be. Free chemo therapy for your guests!

https://cosmosmagazine.com/technolog...ent=newsletter


As of a year or two ago the nuclear batteries that were available had very low current potential. They were basically watch batteries for satellites. If these new batteries can power a cell phone or a drone, marine use seems like a reasonable next step.

Perhaps both nuclear and lithium batteries together could be a short term and long term discharge capability. Somone will figure it out...

[XstreamVking]

As bad of an idea as lithium is, nukes would make the danger of a car crash and fire a small detail compared to a nukes capability to cause harm and enviro damage. A big "no, thank you" from me on being radiated just to run electric. And haven't we learned the results of buying chineese stuff?

[slowJEEP]

If I understand the article correctly, the US DOD funded an Australian company to research the tech. The Chinese are just further along with it.

[Fishwhisper]

I read that a micro watt Betavolt battery cost $5200. So, cost wise, it’s a ways off.

[slowJEEP]

For sure at that price. But if they plan on putting them in cell phones, the production rate would have to go way up and the price way down. I'm thinking safety is going to be the biggest hurdle.

[Fishwhisper]

My guess this will be extreme use cell phones, like military, at the North Pole, etc. price will not be coming down that much, and to power a cell phone you would need 10-100x power the $5200 battery will allow. It’s not going to be for the masses anytime soon.

[Chaz]

Do we really need another tree hugger "gone off the deep end" thread ... ???