FAQ’s

Q: How is the Modek exchanged? How long does it take?

A: A Modek Exchange Station contains one or more lines or files of recharging Modeks, parked bumper to bumper. Typically, there are six Modeks in a file. While in the file, they make electrical contact with charging rails running beneath them. Discharged Modeks join the back of the file and recharged Modeks leave from the front. The locking mechanism between the Ridon and Modek releases when a Ridek joins the file. The Ridon lifts off the Modek to join with the fully charged Modek at the front of the file. The locking mechanism engages to allow the recharged Ridek to drive away. The passengers remain in the Ridon; no money changes hands. The exchange takes about three minutes.

Q: Isn’t it more cumbersome to exchange the Modek rather than just the battery? How can that be more cost effective?

A: Battery exchange has been tried. Batteries are cumbersome. They require robust and elaborate equipment to effect a quick exchange and they may be damaged in the process. Electrical contacts within the vehicle require maintenance. The design of a vehicle to receive a battery large enough for sufficient range yet readily removable by automated equipment is restrictive. By contrast, the Modek provides a safe housing for its battery, which is seldom disturbed but is fully accessible from above when the Ridon is removed.

Q: How are batteries protected?

A: Batteries are located low down between the chassis members so they are very well protected.

Q: Isn’t the Ridek very heavy? How safe is the design?

A: Batteries are heavy but the other components are not. Placement of the battery low down in the midsection of the Modek gives the Ridek vehicle a low center of gravity making rollover unlikely. The passengers are above the point of contact in most collisions, like those in a sports-utility vehicle but much less likely to suffer a roll over.

Q: How does the Ridek compare with a conventional vehicle in appearance?

A: The Modek has same footprint as a popular minivan, which the Ridek may resemble if the appropriate Ridon is mounted. However, a great variety of vehicles that may result from customized Ridons.

Conventional minivan (top left) and eight
variations of the Ridon based on a common Modek.

Q: How does Ridek compare with the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)?

A: Both are electric vehicles that address the problem of limited range and long charging time. The HEV carries its own electric power generator and the fuel to run it. This makes it more complicated. The HEV is more efficient, and therefore pollutes less, than a conventional fuel-burning car in stop-and-go driving but it is not a zero-emission vehicle and not exceptionally efficient on the freeway. The HEV does not receive energy from the grid. Consequently, it burns oil (in the form of gasoline), most of which is imported. The Ridek receives all its energy from the electricity grid—energy that is not imported. (The USA’s large negative trade balance would become positive if cars did not run on imported fuel.)

In a functional sense, the Ridek is also a hybrid: with a battery-operated Modek, it is a zero-emission BEV; with a fuel-burning Modek, it is a fuel-burning vehicle. When it is either one of these, it is not burdened with the complexity of the other. However, the greatest difference is that, whereas the hybrid is still just a car, the Ridek offers many additional advantages.

Q: What is the cost?

A: There are many costs associated with driving, such as initial purchase, depreciation, maintenance, repair, fuel, insurance, fines, medical costs, pollution, noise, and environmental degradation. Let us take these in turn:

Initial purchase: The Ridon contains almost no machinery so that, although it may be as luxurious as the owner wishes, it need not be expensive.

Depreciation: Aside from the battery, the Modek’s components are very durable and improvements are easy to incorporate. Its standardized design minimizes obsolescence. Life expectancy is 30 years.

Maintenance: the exchange process simplifies periodic return of a Modek for maintenance. There is no need for a “courtesy car” because the Ridek driver uses his private Ridon, aboard another Modek. Standardization of the Modek fleet simplifies technicians’ training.

Fuel: “Fuel” costs are significantly less for electric vehicles, particularly in urban traffic.

Insurance: Less costly repairs, better maintenance, virtual freedom from theft or unauthorized use, and reduced driver frustration (through use of preferred lanes) contribute to reducing insurance claims. (See Medical Costs, below)

Medical Costs: Safer driving and fewer accidents combined with keeping the passengers above the point of impact, particularly from the side, should result in fewer serious injuries—which also reduces insurance claims.

Pollution: Like any BEV, the battery-powered Ridek does not contribute to local environmental pollution although the generating plant that supplies its electricity may. However, its power may come from water, wind, sunlight, or the atom. In any case, a fuel-burning fixed plant is cleaner than a fuel-burning car. This applies especially to a car that is old or poorly maintained. Furthermore, unlike a car, the motor does not run when the vehicle is stalled in traffic.

Noise: Like any BEV, the battery-powered Ridek is almost silent and vibration free.

Environmental Degradation: To the air and noise pollution just mentioned should be added discarded oil, leaking fuel tanks, soil contamination, and abandoned vehicles. The Modek can stay in service much longer than a conventional car. Batteries are recyclable. Electric motors do not need oil changes.