What powers the TriTrack?
There are actually 4 different Power Modes: -On the ground, the car is powered by a battery mule. The batteries would likely be lead acid, similar to those in golf carts because they are inexpensive. The mule could alternately be filled with anything that fits in the space, including hydrogen fuel cells. -When the TriTrack gets on the guideway, the battery mule is left behind and the guideway occupies the space where it was. To speed the car up and increase its elevation, there is a linear motor built into the track that interacts with permanent magnets in the car body. This 300 hp launch motor is powered directly by the power grid. -While on the guideway, a smaller battery in the car maintains its speed. Because the car is so aerodynamic, it only requires 60-90 hp to stay at 180 mph. -When the TriTrack reaches the end of the guideway and comes down, there is a linear generator to recapture some (96%) of the car’s energy and slow it down. This goes directly back into the power grid. At
