3 ms·
diesel engines can exceed 45% efficiency [0], so lithium ion would have to more than triple in energy density to be competitive (using GP's numbers). that said
by leetcrew 8y ago
diesel engines can exceed 45% efficiency [0], so lithium ion would have to more than triple in energy density to be competitive (using GP's numbers).
that said, diesel is mainly used in large trucks and shipping vessels, where I would imagine energy per unit volume would be more important than energy per unit mass. if electricity were much cheaper than diesel fuel, it could certainly become the economic choice for all but the longest routes.
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_engine#Major_advantages https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_engine#Major_advantages
- erikpukinskis 8y agoRegenerative breaking could theoretically get you 2x.
- CydeWeys 8y agoRegenerative braking gets you basically nothing on long steady-speed routes. Energy leaves the system primarily through air resistance and to a lesser degree mechanical and rolling resistance. Trucks crossing the country can go 60mph on cruise control for hours on end. Regenerative braking helps more for stop-and-go driving in cities but it's basically meaningless for long-haul trucking or shipping.
- erikpukinskis 8y agoIt also gets you something where there is altitude gain.
- dredmorbius 8y agoIn practice, a few percent, <10% AFAIR.