alt Hacker Newsso if you want to have a strong opinion on electric cars you need to be able to explain how an electric engine works right?
Replies
Depends on what exactly the opinion is, but generally I'd say yes. If it's about their looks, maybe not.. but even then understanding the basics that determine things like not needing air intake, exhaust, the placement of batteries, etc. can be helpful.
If it's about the supply chain, understanding at least the requirements for magnets is helpful.
On way to make sure you understand all of these things is to understand the electric motor. But you could learn the separate pieces of knowledge on the fly too.
The more you understand the fundamentals of what you're talking about, the more likely you are to have genuine insight because you can connect more aspects of the problem and understand more of the "why".
TL;DR it depends, but it almost always helps.
I’d say so, the hallmark of being a car guy is understanding the basics, like the difference between a four cylinder and a six cylinder, a turbocharger from a supercharger, the different types of gearboxes (DCT vs AT or a CVT), and so on. They all affect the feel, capabilities, and limitations of the car.
Electric cars have similar complexities and limitations, for example the Bolt I owned could only go ~92MPH due to limitations in the gearing as a result of having a 1 speed gearbox. I would expect someone with a strong opinion of a car to know something as simple as the top speed.