> ICE are terribly inefficient at partial load Yes, but this doesn't happen much anymore. Torque converter, electronic throttle control, variable valves, and 6

> ICE are terribly inefficient at partial load Yes, but this doesn't happen much anymore. Torque converter, electronic throttle control, variable valves, and 6+ speed gearboxes means the engine is usually near full throttle even if your foot is barely on the gas. Turbochargers also help, along with cylinder deactivation for some V8s. Modern engines are nearly always at a relatively efficient load point. This wasn't true until about a decade ago though.