Fuel Source Agnostic
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 04:01PMAt Edison2 we are fuel source agnostic. Our X Prize entry is powered by an internal combustion engine running on E85 because we read the rules carefully and want to win the X Prize. Our analyses of weight, drag and efficiency led us away from the significant added weight of batteries toward the simple efficiency of very low weight and superior aerodynamics.
But we see the extreme platform efficiency embodied in the Very Light Car offering benefits to all power sources. What is efficient with E85 is similarly efficient with diesel, biodiesel, gasoline, natural gas, batteries or a hybrid drive. EVs and PHEVs in particular can benefit from our innovations, needing fewer batteries and having greater range at lower cost.
Edison2 is not against electric vehicles. But we believe the purpose and function of a vehicle – the use cycle - must be considered in determining efficiency. Certain cars are better suited for certain jobs. A one-ton diesel truck is an inefficient choice for commuting to and from work. Electric vehicles are best suited for urban environments, with plenty of opportunity to regenerate energy from braking and only a modest range requirement. Not such a good choice for suburban commutes, perhaps, with greater range needing more batteries and longer charging times.
When the grid moves away from carbon and becomes based on wind, solar, tides and nuclear – rather than the almost 80% of US electric capacity that currently comes from fossil fuels – electric vehicles may well become the best choice for many uses. But until then we need to dramatically decrease our use of energy and our production of greenhouse gases.
For the foreseeable future we will remain dependent on stored, carbon-based BTUs. We need to learn how to stretch these fuels and apply them wisely. The Very Light Car, with its efficient body and chassis and an engine using 85% renewable ethanol, does exactly that.
Reader Comments (2)
Yes, I know your secret. The X Prize rules state the energy equivalence of a gallon of gasoline over the actual miles per gallon of fuel. For example while more caloric energy is stored per molecule in diesel fuel, you would have to use less than 1 gallon per 100 miles, but by using 85% ethanol your engine can use more than 1 gallon of fuel since it has less caloric energy than 1 gallon of gasoline. Add to that you have probably three times the rpm range as a diesel, which also turns up the horsepower much higher. It's easier to cool and tune, and all while still maintaining a really high knock resistance. This allows for a much higher compression ratio than a gasoline engine, and can still permit turbocharging on top of that. I get you guys! Very nice gentlemen!
Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas bags and purses will bring you the newest fashion wind from the romantic south France. Our Louis Vuitton Monogram fake replicas collection is a perfect combination of classics and fashion, a vibrant mix of style and pleasure, offering you exact copies of the original LV handbags, wallets and purses. Those high quality replica louis vuitton monogram handbags will assure you of a cool and most welcomed change to your style, a change you certainly deserve. Please choose one of those exquisite bags offered in our fabulous Louis Vuitton online outlet with fantastic discount. In addition, various other Louis Vuitton knockoffs are waiting for your visitation and selection.replica louis vuitton handbags cheap louis vuitton handbags discount louis vuitton handbagsluxury handbagwww.moodhandbags.comreplica louis vuitton handbagscheap louis vuitton handbagsdiscount louis vuitton handbagsluxury handbagwww.iv-bag.comlouis vuitton Monogram Denim stands for power and flexibility. these louis vuitton Monogram Multicolore will make you feel better about yourself. Don't be fooled by cheap falling apart Vuitton copy made with the wrong materials with the incorrect size. Each Vuitton imitation bag on our web is made of highest quality materials blending with detailed imitation. We believe that no matter what you're looking for Louis Vuitton mahina bag or other replica Monogram Denim handbags, this line will exceed your expectations. you'll be center of attention when you own one Monogram Denim Bag.
mbt walking shoesmbt shoesdiscount mbt shoes
drill edm