3 ms·

BEVs are mechanically simpler, requiring less maintenance and expense (and they eliminate all use of fossil fuels). Hybrids and PHEVs are mechanically more com

by jlv2 8y ago

BEVs are mechanically simpler, requiring less maintenance and expense (and they eliminate all use of fossil fuels). Hybrids and PHEVs are mechanically more complex than ICEVs, often requiring more things that need maintenance and repair. PHEVs are the worst of all, in my opinion, because on top of everything else, they tend to clog up public charging stations. BEVs with decent range (the Chevy Bolt, Tesla, and some upcoming models) are the real solution. Charge at work and home - and only use DCFC (high current) public charging for trips. Background: I've had a LEAF for 4.5 years as my daily commuter car; it's got (32K miles). For trips last year we got a Tesla Model S (24K miles).

drb91 8y ago
> Charge at work and home - and only use DCFC (high current) public charging for trips. As I essentially only use my car for weekend road trips, how is the long-distance experience hopping from charger to charger? How about country driving--is the density high enough you can check out some nature?
- outworlder 8y ago
  Previous generation Leaf? Debatable. I have one. I plotted a trip from the East Bay to Yosemite and the range seemed enough on paper, even accounting for elevation. But in at least one stretch there was a single quick charge station (ChaDeMo) that I could rely on. If that was out of service I would have issues, as even L2 were not plentiful. On Yosemite itself I could find only one L2. So I did not attempt the trip. Current generation Leaf, Bolt, Tesla? The range would be pretty adequate and comfortable. Not sure about long desert stretches, you could have an idea here: https://www.evtripplanner.com/planner/2-8/ https://www.evtripplanner.com/planner/2-8/ Also of note is that a major drawback in the US is the high highway speeds. Drag increases to the speed squared, so going 60mph vs 80mph makes a huge difference. We don't notice as much in internal combustion engines, because a gas tank has so much energy – we may notice in our pockets though.
ams6110 8y ago
You might want to spell out your acronyms on first use. I'm having to guess at what you're talking about.
Tade0 8y ago
and PHEVs are mechanically more complex than ICEVs, often requiring more things that need maintenance and repair. Not necessarily. At least in a Toyota hybrid you won't find a regular transmission but a much simpler planetary gear set. Also everything that can be powered by the battery - like power steering, AC, water pump etc. - is, so less fluids, pumps, belts etc. Lastly there's no starter motor and I think there's no need for a stepper motor since load and thus RPM can be regulated by the motor-generator pair.

by jlv2 8y ago

drb91 8y ago

> Charge at work and home - and only use DCFC (high current) public charging for trips. As I essentially only use my car for weekend road trips, how is the long-distance experience hopping from charger to charger? How about country driving--is the density high enough you can check out some nature?

outworlder 8y ago
Previous generation Leaf? Debatable. I have one. I plotted a trip from the East Bay to Yosemite and the range seemed enough on paper, even accounting for elevation. But in at least one stretch there was a single quick charge station (ChaDeMo) that I could rely on. If that was out of service I would have issues, as even L2 were not plentiful. On Yosemite itself I could find only one L2. So I did not attempt the trip. Current generation Leaf, Bolt, Tesla? The range would be pretty adequate and comfortable. Not sure about long desert stretches, you could have an idea here: https://www.evtripplanner.com/planner/2-8/ https://www.evtripplanner.com/planner/2-8/ Also of note is that a major drawback in the US is the high highway speeds. Drag increases to the speed squared, so going 60mph vs 80mph makes a huge difference. We don't notice as much in internal combustion engines, because a gas tank has so much energy – we may notice in our pockets though.

ams6110 8y ago

You might want to spell out your acronyms on first use. I'm having to guess at what you're talking about.

Tade0 8y ago

and PHEVs are mechanically more complex than ICEVs, often requiring more things that need maintenance and repair. Not necessarily. At least in a Toyota hybrid you won't find a regular transmission but a much simpler planetary gear set. Also everything that can be powered by the battery - like power steering, AC, water pump etc. - is, so less fluids, pumps, belts etc. Lastly there's no starter motor and I think there's no need for a stepper motor since load and thus RPM can be regulated by the motor-generator pair.