Similar to the Volt-- who'd a thunk Chevy would have a breakthrough like that.

Of course it wouldn't have happened under a republican.

Capacitors have a tiny energy capacity compared to batteries, but only 5km is claimed per charge, so that might work. But all of that energy in 10 sec? Not easy, particularly to do over many charge cycles.

And, they’re using supercapacitors, not batteries.

They are also using busses not cars.

…if their energy density can be improved sufficiently.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.10.104

The energy stored must ultimately provide a durable power to weight ratio for the entire contraption.

Fm yr article:


Do you happen to know the difference in weight between a loaded bus and a loaded passenger car?

Why?

Capacitors, in concept, are better than batteries (for all the reasons listed in the OP) except, currently, batteries can hold more. The relative weights of the vehicles are irrelevant.