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bruce511today at 5:22 PM1 replyview on HN

In an EV about 90% of the energy used is converted into motion. About 10% goes to heat. [1][3]

In an ICE engine about 30% of the energy becomes motion. About 70% is heat.[2]

In other words electric motors are about 3 times more efficient than ICE.

[1] an interesting side effect of this is that in cold climates you can't just harvest waste heat to heat the cabin (or batteries. ) So you end up using some battery energy if you need heat.

[2] ICE motors vary in effeciency a lot. 20-30% is typical. The Carnot formula comes into play here.

[3] because there is so little heat generated, the cooling systems (EVs still have them) are much smaller. And simpler (for example, no fan, 'cause there's no heat when standing still.)


Replies

tssstoday at 5:25 PM

Who cares about motor efficiency when you can only take 10% as much fuel. At the end of the day, cost is the only metric that matters.

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