daveman
Diamond Member
Yes, to the efficiency; no to the "More power used does not necessarily mean more fuel being burned" thing.Electric vehicles don't eliminate pollution; they merely relocate it. And given the toxic materials used to make the batteries, they're more hazardous to the environment than fuel-burning engines.
That's not entirely true. It is true that even in an emission free strictly electric vehicle, you are most likely consuming electric made from fossil fuels. However, the grid does not work as simplistically as that. More power used does not necessarily mean more fuel being burned - It's more of a plateau. Moreover the power plant is far more efficient per U/M than an internal combustion engine that only powers one vehicle.
Generators is what I do for the Air Force. So I know what I'm talking about when I disagree with you.Ever had to rent a commercial generator to provide power to a home or building? If you had you'd see what I mean...
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vlDtP8T_5I]YouTube - Camp Sather, Iraq, Power Plant[/ame]
Agreed. Although it's going to take a long time to recoup your investment in gas saved.While a zero-emission vehicle is not really so due to the source of power, you will save money and reduce your carbon footprint if you can stand the rather short running time between charges.