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Electric cars are cleaner than oil-based only if you ignore the creation and disposal of the batteries... and the fact that battery technology still sucks. Oil
by waynecochran 9y ago
Electric cars are cleaner than oil-based only if you ignore the creation and disposal of the batteries... and the fact that battery technology still sucks. Oil is an incredibly compact form of energy, can be poured and easily transported without dissipation of energy. As much as I want to get away from oil, it's hard to beat.
- gbugniot 9y agoExcept that electric engines can be more than 90% efficient while combustion engines are 30 to 45% efficient.
- otabdeveloper1 9y ago> if you ignore the creation and disposal of the batteries
- dragontamer 9y agoThe engine may be 90% efficient, but the charger is only 95% efficient, and the electric grid is only 90% efficient. And then the coal power plant that generates all that electricity is only 40% efficient. All of a sudden, combustion engines are better in overall efficiency. Transporting liquid fuel and distributing it has major efficiency benefits.
- jjtheblunt 9y agoYou made a big presumption though with the word "coal", which supports your calculation but isn't realistic.
- dragontamer 9y agohttps://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3 https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3 > Natural gas = 33.8% > Coal = 30.4% > Nuclear = 19.7% > Renewables (total) = 14.9% Granted, Natural Gas is highly efficient, but Coal is still a major contributor to people's electricity generation in the USA.
- namlem 9y agoCan you cite a source on battery disposal being a problem. I've heard this claim repeated many time, but never with even a single shred of evidence.
- d0lph 9y agoOn top of that, lithium ion is recyclable.