Originally Posted by
Matra et Alpine
tut-tut , ht, you KNOW there are always energy losses during conversions
Electric drivetrain is 90% efficient AND it has all that weight and mass ( cos you'll need batteries too even if just as buffers for the motors instantaneous needs ) EDIT: Thoug granted that is partially offset by the option of losign the gearbox and diffs
Trains NEED weigth as grip is low with steel on steel and they dont' have to start and stop every 100 yards in traffic. Different needs sets a different balance.
BUT I think in 10 years time we'll hopefully see in wheel motors at resonable costs ( hence limiting the extra weigth ). But hopefully we'll not need to combusion process either by then
I know that and I never said it is 100% efficient either!
anyways a compact electric drive train is lighter and more efficient than a mechanical one.
An electric generator/alternator can easily climb over 90% (typically 92-95%) efficiency. the wires that transfer the power and the small (very small) box with a few capacitors in it are also over 90% (typically around 95-97%) efficeint. And last but not least the electric motors can be over 90% (typically 90-95%) efficeint. In total the whole thing is about 79-88% effecient, that is pretty good against the roughly 75-80% of the mechanical system. Not to mention that trading a DSG 6 speed transmission, 3 differentials (talking AWD here) and assorted shafts out with a lightweight generator/alternator, small capacitor and computer control box, assorted cable and 4 electric motors sounds like a good trade when comparing weight. Obviously for a car alot of R&D is going to be put into weight saving material and space saving design.
Power, whether measured as HP, PS, or KW is what accelerates cars and gets it up to top speed. Power also determines how far you take a wall when you hit it
Engine torque is an illusion.