I wonder if that takes into account the fact that an electric motor uses no
power when it is not moving, unlike an idling gas engine. (Of course, there
are still the lights and radio, and, for those of us in Washington, DC area,
the need to keep the air conditioner running during our miserable summers.)
Carleton
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "STANLEY DOORE" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I understand that the cost of electrical propulsion cost for cars is now
about one quarter of that for gasoline and diesel only vehicles. And, as
batteries are expected to improve, the difference will be even greater. Toyota
is expected to have a plug-in option next year and li-ion batteries will
increase the range. I recently got 51.3 mpg on a recent tank of regular
gasoline (473 miles). Also, electricity can be generated from many different
energy sources.
Stan Doore
----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Potts
To: U.S. Metric Association
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 3:34 PM
Subject: [USMA:41203] RE: LTE - Hybrid & Diesel Economy Math
Regarding your last paragraph, Stan, we mustn't forget that plugging in and
charging doesn't come free. You need to add that component of your electricity
bill to your total cost.
And, from an environmental point of view, we must remember that most of the
electricity in the U.S. is generated using fossil fuels (particularly coal).
Canada is, of course, much better placed in that respect, in that most of their
electricity is produced by hydroelectric power stations (which, although they
don't pollute, do create their own fairly serious environmental problems).
Bill
Bill Potts
Roseville, CA
http://metric1.org [SI Navigator]
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of STANLEY DOORE
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 11:17
To: U.S. Metric Association
Subject: [USMA:41201] LTE - Hybrid & Diesel Economy Math
"Hybrids and diesels save, but math can be tricky" in the June 20 issue of
The Washington Times explains various elements to be considered in evaluating
auto purchases; however, they are not easy to use.
Consider standardizing on some basic numbers. For example, use 10,000 km
and 20,000 km (6200 miles and 12,400 miles respectively) driven per year. Then
use the price of $4.00/gallon for gasoline and $4.50 for diesel fuel to drive
those distances. These round numbers simplify the math and will help people
to understand the differences in savings quicker.
The keys are total distance driven, fuel used and the cost of fuel.
Although miles per gallon or km/L has increased for new diesel fuel vehicles,
it doesn't tell the full story about the additional cost compared with gasoline
hybrids.
Hybrids with electric drive provide added torque and better fuel economy
than new diesel powered vehicles. And with an electric plug-in option, hybrids
will have even better fuel economy compared with diesel only vehicles.
Stan Doore
