While the efficiency of a gas generator is typically of lower horsepower output than a direct combustion engine, the overall efficiency of a properly configured EV system is significantly higher due to superior conversion efficiency and the power output characteristics of electric traction motors compared to an internal combustion engine and drivetrain.
In summation, a hybrid battery electric vehicle (HBEV) powered by a high-output ICE inverter generator may not be as environmentally friendly as a pure battery electric vehicle drawing from sustainable sources, but it is an order of magnitude lower environmental impact than a comparable ICE-driven vehicle, with a reduced battery pack size resulting in increased load capacity, extended range without dependency on charge station availability, while being systemically more efficient than a fossil fueled internal combustion engine vehicle.
Prioritizing the selection of a multi-fuel inverter generator would further enhance vehicle adaptability and mission resilience. “Vehicle adaptability” refers to a vehicle’s ability to adjust and function effectively in different environments or situations, often by changing configurations or utilizing modular components, while “mission resilience” describes a vehicle’s capability to maintain operational effectiveness even when facing challenges or disruptions, ensuring the successful completion of its intended task despite obstacles.
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
*Note: My proposal is for what is called a “Series” PHEV where the GMC drivetrain is entirely electric, enabling components that are by design repairable, replaceable, and upgradeable.
Most PHEV are like the Prius and are a “Parallel” PHEV drivetrain, with a complex, proprietary series-parallel architecture combining motive power from both the ICE and battery electric motor, that by design is expensive to maintain, expensive to repair, and intentionally not upgradeable.
Key points about efficiency comparisons:
■ EV Motor Efficiency: Electric motors convert a much higher percentage of electrical energy into mechanical energy compared to internal combustion engines, typically achieving efficiencies between 85-90%. [4, 5, 6]
■ ICE Inefficiency: Internal combustion engines lose a significant amount of energy as heat during combustion, resulting in lower overall efficiency (around 20-40%). [2, 7, 8, 9]
■ Energy Conversion Losses: Even when using a gas generator to power an EV, there are still energy losses during the charging process and in the motor itself. However, these losses are generally less than the energy losses in an ICE. [2, 4, 5]
[1] https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/01/electric-vehicles-use-half-the-energy-of-gas-powered-vehicles/
[2] https://www.motortrend.com/news/evs-more-efficient-than-internal-combustion-engines/
[3] https://thedriven.io/2024/01/31/electric-vehicles-use-half-the-energy-of-fossil-fuel-vehicles/
[4] https://www.energycouncil.com.au/analysis/evs-are-they-really-more-efficient/
[5] https://www.elastoproxy.com/ice-vehicles-vs-electric-vehicles/
[6] https://www.pelonistechnologies.com/blog/comparing-the-efficiency-of-different-electric-motor-types
[7] https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/inefficiency-ice
[8] https://www.irishevassociation.ie/news/ten-reasons-an-electric-motor-is-better-than-an-internal-combustion-engine-ice-for-our-car-transportation
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_efficiency
Hello, I am Muirén (she, her)
I still seek mutual aid, but will accept charitable donations for🧙🏾♀️TınyMaker.Space™ Project, the organizing, evangelizing force, and funding source for my goal of establishing a permanent home and makerspace that is self-supporting through its own efforts, primarily through sales of uniquely crafted, tangible fusions of art and tech, as well as otherworldly performing arts.
The future I propose is the acquisition of land and building of 🦉DomusVıtrea™, a tiny home and tiny makerspace built inside a glass house. Selecting a mixed-use zoned location makes possible a live-learn-make space: 🛖Residence, 🪄Performing Arts Stage🎭, and 🧘🏾Zen Garden Café, a sanctuary from a cynical, violent world.