On 6/25/2010 2:21 PM, sf wrote:
> On Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:01:21 -0400, "J. Clarke"
> > wrote:
>
>> On 6/25/2010 2:02 AM, sf wrote:
>>> On Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:54:16 -1000, dsi1
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> The Smart car looks startlingly small in person. You'd think it was a
>>>> lightweight, electric car but it's not. At 1800 lb it seems awful heavy
>>>> and why put in a gas engine in a micro car in this day and age?
>>>
>>> You're right. It should have a hybrid engine, but I don't think
>>> they're made that way in Europe either.
>>
>> Well, if it was a hybrid, you'd add the weight of a generator and
>> electric motor and a battery to that total, and the volume to hold them all.
>>
> I know nothing about technology, but extra weight and volume would be
> a good thing in terms of personal safety.

Not if it's all behind you.

And extra weight and volume translate to increased energy required to
move the whole shebang.