[ajuc]

Electric cars are about 3 times as energy-efficient as ICE cars. So it's not 1% to 2% but 3% to 6%. And with other savings (much lighter engine, no need for transmission) it's even better.

The problem is with degradation - it seems the new batteries only last 200 cycles.

[JoeAltmaier]

Its all problems, so far. Weight, heat, size, charge cycles, range. Its only recently that its been even possible to make a practical electric car.

Don't fool yourself - there's a transmission element in an electric car too. The power has to get to the wheels, regardless of the power plant.

[elil17]

An electric car transmission is a usually a simple reduction (two gears). An ICE transmission is usually a six speed shifter, often with hydraulic controls. A world of difference in terms of weight and maintainability.

[JoeAltmaier]

That's just talking gearbox. Then there's casing, shafts, mounts, cooling. The difference in number of gears is the smaller part.

[ajuc]

This is Tesla mechanically: https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-fa63245953aaf5f393e851...

Please don't pretend it's anywhere close in complexity and weight to the ICE. Of course if you include batteries then it's heavier. But that's why people are excited for any small change in battery energy density.

[elil17]

That’s really not that much worse than a lithium ion battery (300-500 charge cycles). Also, higher capacity means less frequent charging.