[Christ]

I mentioned the power requirements for a train because of that...

Alot of people think it would be more efficient to convert the power from an engine through a generator to run an electric motor, as long as it were done at the engine's peak efficiency.

The problem with this, is that when it was designed for locomotives, the design HAD TO compensate for power requirements, as well as efficiency (as a close second, unfortunately).

This means that, for our purposes, there really is no reason to take power from an engine (50% efficiency at best), to power a generator (70%?) to power a car via electric motor/batt/
capacitor bank (heat losses, transmission losses, weight and complexity) when the same power could
be used to propel the vehicle, even via a CVT at 80% efficiency, and still have better end efficiency at the wheels.

Unless a hybrid system is used to specifically address the inefficiencies of the current system, such as idling, low load operation, etc... it's only added, weight, complexity, maintenance charges, trouble, and indeed, pollution, IMO. I've yet to see much in the line of fact to sway that opinion, in truth.