Quote:
Originally Posted by rmay635703
Interesting,
The Epower transmission peaks at about 80% efficient similar to an antique slush box.
By increasing engine efficiency they should be able to overcome the inherent inefficiency of a series hybrid
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Energy conversions are inherently inefficient, so improvements in processing any particular energy conversion needs to be extremely efficient to offset the losses from additional conversions.
ICE converts energy from chemical > heat > mechanical.
Throw in series hybrid and the process is chemical > heat > mechanical > electrical > chemical > electrical > mechanical.
The electro-chemical conversions are more efficient than the initial chemical > heat conversions, but they still represent loss of efficiency.
If internal combustion ever got to say 70% efficiency, it would be game over for alternatives. The density of fossil fuels combined with high efficiency conversion would be an insurmountable obstacle. That doesn't appear likely, so we will see EV powertrains begin to displace ICE.