15% efficiency is kind of interesting. The Prizm's AC system (very nice) is electric, driven off a separate 12 volt motor (let's hear it for the DC-DC converter in that thing...) It runs 4 amps at 300 volts, or 1200 watts. Which compared to the motor draw at 60mph (50 amps) is actually quite small (about 8% load)
Maybe it's the belts and such that make the difference. Also the car is definitely most efficient at a cruise between 65-70mph. Chris ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lawrence Rhodes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, August 19, 2002 11:59 AM Subject: Electric Car advice? > Grist: Auto pilot -- sage advice on car air conditioners, gas > versus diesel, electric and more -- in Ask Umbra > <http://www.gristmagazine.com/ask/ask081502.asp?source=daily> > >
