EV alternative for light/medium duty trucks
So much wheel spinning on EVs, what if they are not the right path forward? The biggest problem with renewable power and EVs is storage, the second is storage, and the third is storage. Another pat...
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valhalla360 wrote:map40 wrote:valhalla360 wrote:map40 wrote:
Without the complicated mechanics and the short range of a plug in hybrid (not a hybrid). Might sound similar, but it is a world of difference.
Always remember, an ICE is 30% efficient on converting fuel into motion. Parasitic loads, brakes converting kinetic energy into heat, they are all waste. An EV is 95% efficient converting power into motion.
As I said, they are a great alternative for the right use, but they won't replace all ICEs uses. And Trucks are the most difficult use for EV applications.
95% efficient is if you only look at the electricity arriving at the motor. Once you add conversion to and from the battery, transport over the grid, burning coal at the power plant, etc...even with the power used to drill, transport and refine oil, it's no longer the slam dunk in terms of efficiency.
In the same analogy, when you look into the efficiency of an ICE and include the refinery, transport, drilling, barreling, etc, the ICE drops below 5%. There is no merit in arguing that EVs are 3 times more efficient, you are picking a lousy argument that will not change the conclusion: For the right aplications, EVs are better than ICEs. Not all cases, just some.
Electric might still win out but no, Ground to tank does not use 85% (30% to 5%) of the energy in a gallon of gas.
The gap in efficiency, narrows drastically when you go source to end use.
You are right, compunding effect is not 5%, is more like 3.5% at best. If you count kerosene, diesel, all gasoline grades, oil, sludge, and the rest.
But again, I don't care about that because for the applications I need gas or diesel I don't stop to think where did the gas come from, or where did the electricity com from. I only care about money, and more importantly, my money. And if I can save money and drive a car that puts a smile on my face because it takes off like a bullet, well, great for me!
I undestand you want to make a point for you views, but we are just lokking and comparing things without bringing political views or imposible calculations. An EV recovers as much energy as possible in city traffic, an ICE wastes a ton of energy in city traffic. This is by desing. By the same design, EVs are not good for heavy load and long distances, ICEs are much better. See? Easy...
