Electric cars use more energy

Published: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008 12:26 a.m. MDT
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Most believe electric cars are environmentally friendly. But consider these facts: The electric motor is about 70 percent efficient, yet the power required to charge batteries for that motor comes mostly from coal- or gas-fired plants, some from nuclear power and a small percentage from hydro. Modern power plants are about 35 percent efficient.

Gasoline-driven cars are about 33 percent efficient. For every 3 units of energy used in the gas engine, one unit of useful energy is available to push that car.

Unless one charges his electric car batteries exclusively with solar cells, wind or hydro power, electric cars require more than twice the energy. Those proposing electric cars to save our environment do more harm than good.

Robert Thatcher

Price

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