This statement makes no sense in light of the fact that the Volt's drivetrain includes a four cylinder gasoline engine.

I'm not convinced it's simpler in the transmission either. You still have three clutches, a planetery and a differential.

And yes, the engine can and will provide mechanical power directly to wheels

if conditions are right.
=Smidge=

That's not how rockets work... it's about momentum transfer, not velocity.

=Smidge=

It's not unintended, that's the point.
=Smidge=

That's not a bug - that's how physics actually works.

Your walking speed is limited no matter what direction to go since you only have one pair of legs. But in a space ship, the thrusters add up using typical vector addition... in all three dimensions.

It was literally a feature, and a good one! The most unrealistic thing about it was only that the top speed was limited, which makes no sense for a spacecraft in a vacuum.

I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere, 'cause real free-floating 3D with proper conservation of momentum would be a real pain in the ass.
=Smidge=

CNG tanks are huge compared to gasoline tanks for an equivalent amount of fuel. Consider the latest and greatest carbon fiber wrapped, nonmetallic tank: 20 gasoline gallon equivalent capacity at 3600 PSIG.

Weight: ~100 lbs empty, ~210 lbs full.
Dimensions: 60 inches long, 21 inches diameter.
Cost: ~$3600

CNG is not a serious contender for the personal automotive market... and I'm making this argument as someone who designs and builds CNG fueling stations.

Trucking is another matter, since trucks have the space and weight capacity - and the high cost and long service life to distribute that cost - to make it worthwhile.
=Smidge=

Not really, no. The use case covers 70%+ of US commuters.

I did the math back in 2012 when the LEAF was just getting into the swing of things, using my own ~40mi/day round trip commute since I was curious if a LEAF (or any other EV) would be right for me. The LEAF narrowly beat out a 2012 Prius with comparable trim level, and that was at ~$3.50/gallon for gas and $0.22/kWh electric. (For reference, last time I got gas I paid $3.899.) On top of that, Nissan has also been pushing some very competitive lease rates ($199/mo) which puts it on par with most new vehicles right from the start.

Even with my new 20mi/day commute since then, I'd save enough just in fuel to cover about two lease payments per year (~$430) versus my current fuel usage, or about half that versus a Prius.
=Smidge=

All hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are essentially H2-electric hybrids. Not only because a fuel cell produces electricity, but because HFCVs also incorporate sizable batteries.

A fuel cell can't be readily throttled, and making one that's powerful enough for acceleration demands is expensive and space consuming. A battery is used for peak power demands and to buffer the fuel cell so it can operate at a more consistent, more optimal output. As a bonus, the battery also allows for regenerative braking.
=Smidge=

While the sticker price may be higher for an EV, if you lease the total cost can actually be less. Not saying an EV will pay for itself overall, but the savings in fuel even over a Prius is enough to knock down monthly cost of ownership and make up the difference in lease payments.

People shouldn't compare price, they should compare cost.
=Smidge=

Oil production has been plateauing despite more drilling in even more remote areas and deeper waters, with new methods of extraction being deployed (shale fracking - it's not just for gas y'know). We keep drilling more holes just to keep up with the diminishing returns.

The quality of the crude has declined, and it's gotten so bad in the past few years that now tar sands are economically viable because there's no place else to get it.

Or did you think "peak oil" means it would all run out in one night?
=Smidge=

You can get the equivalent to variable compression ratio by altering valve timing; delaying the closing of the intake valve lowers compression ratio.

There are also .... unique ways to vary the stroke length given a fixed crankshaft, but that adds complexity, not reduces it.
=Smidge=

Speed limits have not been set at the federal level since 1987.

=Smidge=

The graph from the article really tells you nothing of value. Compare it to the output of a traditional rotary generator and it's actually kinda crap - looks about a 30% duty cycle.

Certainly there is nothing you can glean from that graph about the thermodynamic performance of the engine.

Plus, you are not getting a motion that is significantly different than sinusoidal with what is a fairly normal spring-mass-damper system. On the other hand, mechanically driven engines can have all sorts of fun motions with relatively simple modifications: The Prius, for example, uses modified valve timing to achieve an Atkinson-cycle-like profile.

If anything, you can compare it to the thermodynamic efficiency of a fuel injected 2-stroke... because that's exactly what it is. In that case, it's slightly more efficient by virtue of less mechanical loss.

The real advantage is lower part count, which cuts weight, size and cost. Couple this with a narrowly defined power band to optimize efficiency and you have something worth pursuing. If you want to increase efficiency further, maybe replace the lossy gas spring with a second combustion cylinder to get some of that bang back for your buck.
=Smidge=

Go read the article. No actual allegations have been made.

The FTC has the power to investigate and determine if abuse is occurring. If they determine that to be the case, they have the authority to rectify the situation through various means. They do not need congress' cooperation to do this.

That was my only point, but it seems your entire objection is based on a misunderstanding of what's actually going on, so... fuck me I guess.
=Smidge=

Who said anything about overriding state laws? Even the comment from the FTC acknowledges general support for the laws. What's contentious is corporation's abuse of the laws.

Jesus F. Christ, this was a long walk to discover you didn't even read the summary.
=Smidge=

15 U.S. Code 45 states "The Commission is hereby empowered and directed to prevent persons, partnerships, or corporations [...] from using unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. "

15 U.S. Code 46 gives the FTC further authority to perform investigations and classify businesses for the purpose to regulating them. They also have the authority to compel corporations to file reports for various reasons.

15 U.S. Code 57a gives the FTC authority to deal with unfair business practices by creating rules.

15 U.S. Code 57b gives the FTC legal teeth if the rules they prescribe are not followed.

So the FTC has the power to investigate "dealership laws," determine if corporations are exploiting these laws in an unfair way, and act if they see fit. The FTC and the Interstate Commerce Clause meet at the Sherman and Clayton antitrust acts, which the FTC was essentially created to enforce and was given broad judicial, legislative, and executive powers to do so without requiring congressional action.

Now, that's not to say that Congress CAN'T step in - only that the FTC does not need their permission. Note that rules and regulations that the FTC is empowered to create and enforce are not the same as laws - Congress is still required to make new laws.
=Smidge=