Automotive Technology

As a recent traveler on Highways 40 and 10 from the left coast eastward, and having looked at trade projections for the next decade, I think the more pressing question is "Unless we facilitate more rail construction, how are we going to cohabit with a 40% increase in long-haul trucks?"

Most of the 24 hour day the two lanes leading out of the LA basin have one lane for cargo trucks and one for cargo trucks passing cargo trucks, and damned little room for cars be they fuel sippers or monster trucks.

Nothing against truckers - freight has to move; but the Eisenhower era interstate system is due for expansion and upgrade.

OR - an equal effort has to be thrown at cargo rail.

But remember that the Eisenhower era construction was for a commercial/military complex, not the general motoring public. Part of it in the Central US was designed as emergency landing sites for the military in case our bases got knocked out by war. Complete with fuel storage and weapons systems.

You're right. The interstates have a lot more traffic than 20 years ago. Even just 10-15 years ago, the idea of coming to a complete stop on the Interstate was just ridiculous. Now it's expected...

Here's my solution: new "interstates". Expanding what we have is fine, but a series of new cross-country corridors for cars, trucks, rails, and 765kV electricity is our ultimate solution for the next 50 years.

Josh

The future highway will be same for running, but it will be magnetic road, There will be rail in strip foam or road develop by mixing iron powder for magnet purpose, So we can drive our vehicle as like drive to day on road. Some problems will be arises but it will be solved. Every products, getting improvement with time. The road surface will be smooth. not just like a rail of train.

Please elaborate on this iron powder magnet concept, for I have been struggling with how this concept would actually work.

When I look at electric train systems run from 750 volt third rails, or dual rail, or even slots, as well as the on off systems whereby power is cut infront and behind the cars, it seems of limited utility. It also seems awfully expensive.

In my ideal battery powered cars and trucks, would have as the heart of the vehicle that electric motor, which ought to get power somehow from the road.

Is there another system I am unaware of?

Patel, I cannot tell you how many times I wished I could just navigate my pickup to the freeway, put Phoenix in the navigation system, and have it wake me 30 minutes out of town.

Worse was driving to Albuquerque every other weekend.

Tried Amtrak, not bad for Albuquerque, slightly slower than driving but WAY cheaper.

If I could have spent another $100 and thrown my car on the train with me, or if the train even went to Phoenix....I'd a been a happy boy.

Regarding the comments about rail and road, a system shown here might suit U.S. conditionshttp://bahn-journalisten.ch/PDF/Berichte/2008-09-swissexppress.pdf. A train loaded with trucks burns far less fuel and reduces both traffic and risk of accidents . Shipping trailers alone would be even cheaper but more difficult to distribute at destination.

Rock climbing walls have grips for human hands and highways could be slopes with grips that match contact patches for wall climbing allowing new 3d top surface and complex topogragraphy so that even narrow streets could support greater volume. Also giving two wheel vehicle higher passing ridges might be awesome for accelerated road travel similar to velodrome cycling. Glueing grips on the road could help with changing between high traction and low traction areas to support acceleration cruise and braking in designated areas. Also on the peak of roads a part flight vehicle lane could then be operated.