3 ms·
ICE power trains had so many inherent inefficiencies (in heat and friction), that aerodynamic improvements alone had minor influence on overall fuel efficiency
by pornel 3y ago
ICE power trains had so many inherent inefficiencies (in heat and friction), that aerodynamic improvements alone had minor influence on overall fuel efficiency, so it wasn't worth optimizing.
But now that EV power trains are way more efficient, and batteries hold only a fraction of energy of a gas tank, drag became a major problem. Flush handles became a real aero improvement worth making. Digital mirrors are next.
- TX81Z 3y agoThe most aerodynamic car would have no doors, mirrors, or hell - wheels. Optimization is always about careful balance of objectives in light of a holistic experience. Anybody can “optimize for x” if you just ignore y and z.
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]
- alexey-salmin 3y agoDoor handles don't have to be electric to be efficient
- pornel 3y agoThey don't have to be intuitive and easy-to-use either. It's a tradeoff. Automatically popping door handles have an obvious affordance and can be grabbed without needing some extra press first. I happen to have a car with non-electric flush handles ("chip shortage" edition), and I have to teach all of my passengers how to use them.