At 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.