[LINK] Waitbutwhy article on the history and future of space exploration, SpaceX and more

LizzardWizzard

Epic work, it's always fascinates me when author explores the topic so deep, that doesn't know where to begin, so finally starts with the whole history of the universe or the existence of human race.

http://waitbutwhy.com/2015/08/how-and-why-spacex-will-colonize-mars.html

Epic work, it's always fascinates me when author explores the topic so deep, that doesn't know where to begin, so finally starts with the whole history of the universe or the existence of human race.

http://waitbutwhy.com/2015/08/how-and-why-spacex-will-colonize-mars.html

very seriously given Tesla's demonstrated success

I don't know much about electric cars, but AFAIK the general consensus was that battery-powered EVs are largely infeasible unless there is some breakthrough in battery technology. Did Tesla achieve that or did they just use bigger and more expensive Li-ion batteries?

If I understand correctly, there isn't enough easily recoverable lithium in the world to replace but a small fraction of existing vehicles with Li-ion battery-powered EVs. If that's correct then, barring some breakthrough, Teslas will be forever expensive (and government subsidized) toys for rich people to signal wealth and environmental consciousness.

Did Tesla achieve that or did they just use bigger and more expensive Li-ion batteries?

I do know that battery technology steadily, if unflashily, improves over time; from my evernotes, see for example the Performance Curves Database for some charts or https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-battery-energy-density-improves-5-8-per-year or http://rameznaam.com/2015/04/30/tesla-powerwall-battery-economics-almost-there/

If I understand correctly, there isn't enough easily recoverable lithium in the world

I don't know about this specifically, but that sound... (read more)