A friend of mine has some original Edison batteries in working condition, so I can attest to their longevity. However, the problem of energy density remains. They are still far too large, too heavy and too expensive to be a practical alternative to gasoline in cars. Those batteries still require time to recharge.
BTW, have you even heard a large capacitor blow up? A car capacitor explosion would be most impressive. I’ll pass on those.
TexasRepublic, I agree they don’t have the desired energy density of modern alternatives but I strongly dispute they are more expensive. That is strictly a function of low production volume as their basic construction does not require expensive materials. They are so simple in design they can be built in the home albeit not as efficient as a manufactured Edison Battery.
In energy density two things must be considered. Density as it relates to physical size and density as it relates to weight. The Edison has the lead acid battery beat on both fronts. It lags behind Lithium Ion and some more exotic batteries HOWEVER their basic design is so simple, sound, long lived, there might just be a trade off to allow for more space consumed by an Edison battery.
There is a very good reason Exide went through the expense of buying the manufacturing rights and then completely shut down production. You don’t do that unless you do not want that product on the market shelf. There had been significant improvements in the design of the anode construction and I believe that is what Exide wanted to withhold. That improvement would have increased energy density and as it was simply a modified configuration of existing materials such a modification would have a subsequent reduction in cost per watt.
Given the configuration of the Chevy Volt, Edison Batteries would have fit and been a better choice for initial cost and cost per mile and less toxic. After all it is nothing more than a highly rechargeable alkaline battery with relatively inexpensive components. Oh, by the way, China has also bought up significant mining rights for the metals involved in this battery.
Regarding caps blowing up, YUP big time. I use some large caps in a 3 phase converter for my pipe organ and twice they decided to let out the magic smoke all at one time. BANG!
Regarding such an experience in a car, certainly in ANY electric vehicle, emergency crews need to be trained in the hazards of such a power plant.