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Can thorium power a car?
According to Laser Power Systems CEO, Charles Stevens, just one gram of thorium produces more energy than 28,000 litres of petrol. Mr Stevens says just eight grams of thorium would be enough to power a vehicle for its entire life.
Can thorium be used as fuel?
Thorium is a basic element of nature, like Iron and Uranium. Like Uranium, its properties allow it to be used to fuel a nuclear chain reaction that can run a power plant and make electricity (among other things). Thorium is therefore called fertile, whereas U-233 is called fissile.
Why is thorium not used?
Although in many ways thorium would be a better radioactive element to use for nuclear power, it’s also more difficult to weaponise than uranium. Uranium and plutonium have long been at the heart of nuclear power, but many experts see thorium as a better option.
Can nuclear power run a car?
Nuclear power plants can be used to generate hydrogen, an alternative engine fuel that is emission-free. Electric cars and trucks can run for twice as long on hydrogen fuel and can be refueled in less than five minutes (the same amount of time it takes to refill a conventional car’s gas tank).
How long can thorium power a car?
When it comes to efficiency, thorium seems to be one at the top of the list. As far as fueling a car goes, it could run for 100 years on just 8 grams of fuel. A company called Laser Power Systems has been working on creating an emissions free turbine/electric generator powered by nuclear thorium lasers.
Is there a nuclear car?
To this day, the closest we’ve ever come to a nuclear car is the Ford Nucleon, a 1958 scale model concept car that would’ve used a nuclear reactor paired with a steam engine (much like nuclear submarines or icebreakers). For now, then, nuclear cars remain thoroughly unfeasible. They might not always be so, though.
Is uranium used in electric cars?
Uranium is the main ingredient needed to produce nuclear energy. If projections for growth in sales of EVs and an increase in the EV fleet pan out, it is likely that more nuclear power may be necessary to meet the increase in demand for electricity.