Quote:
Originally Posted by winkosmosis
Why cut those numbers to 1/3? What would be gained by having weaker electric motors and diesel?
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A 0.5L, 55HP diesel delivers better MPG than a 1.5L, 160HP diesel because it tends to operate closer to its limits, where engines are more efficient. (This car will probably require ~20HP for highway cruising.) Because it and the electric motors are smaller, they have less internal friction, and they weigh less. They can also have smaller driveshafts, fuel pumps, etc. which save weight and money throughout the car. That, plus tires, spells out the difference between a high tech, high MPG car that I would buy, and a high tech, high performance car that I wouldn't.