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> Tesla’s trying to change the vocabulary we’re using to describe it, from “kilowatt-hours” to “range.” I understand why they did it -- Tesla's cars tend to be
by mtgx 9y ago
> Tesla’s trying to change the vocabulary we’re using to describe it, from “kilowatt-hours” to “range.”
I understand why they did it -- Tesla's cars tend to be the most efficient EVs around, often by significant margins compared to competitors. But for someone who was hoping battery size competition would be the new megapixel race, this is quite disappointing to hear.
I suppose "range" could be used in the same way, but range is less "hard factual", as they can twist it however they want, unless they actually use the EPA and WLTP cycles.
- davidgould 9y ago> Tesla's cars tend to be the most efficient EVs around, often by significant margins compared to competitors. Well, yes and no. Teslas have very low Cd, so are aerodynamically efficient for their size, but they use AC induction motors which are less efficient then the PM DC motors in most other EVs. Compared to the Bolt or the Hyundai Ioniq the Teslas are less efficient at lower speeds.
- DennisP 9y agoNow I'm curious, what is the advantage of AC induction motors?
- zwily 9y agoIt's a good question: https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/58236/why-does-a-tesla-car-use-an-ac-motor-instead-of-a-dc-one https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/58236/why-do...
- mikeash 9y agoThe efficiency difference is pretty small, something like 2%. The main reason Teslas are less efficient is that they're big and heavy.
- zwily 9y agoTesla does advertise the EPA range.
- mikeash 9y agoTeslas are just about the least efficient EVs you can buy today. See: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2015&year2=2017&vtype=Electric&pageno=1&sortBy=Comb&tabView=0&rowLimit=200 https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform... The only thing worse than the Teslas are the Mercedes B250E and BYD e6. This should be no surprise. Teslas are big, heavy, spacious cars, whereas other EVs tend to be small. Efficiency isn't a priority, and there's no reason to expect a 4,500lb Model S to be as efficient as a 3,300lb LEAF. Tesla doesn't fudge range. They list EPA range in the US (and NEDC range in European countries). I think they may be required to.