Quote:
Originally Posted by Accordowner
Why are you mixing all those characteristics together? I didn't say that aerodynamics does not play a role in vehicle efficiency. On the contrary, It is the biggest component at high speeds! Weight does play a role in efficiency but the difference in weight between conventionally affordable materials like aluminum and the exotics and expensive carbon fiber is negligible!
As far as motor efficiency, we haven't made any noticeable difference since the advent of AC induction motors back in 1887!
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With vehicles bloating in weight to the point that at highway speeds rolling resistance is nearly half the energy loss, I'd say that weight (rolling resistance) is probably something we should be paying more attention to even if generally aerodynamic drag is a bit more of a drag.