General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The CEO of Ford just perfectly summarized the biggest problem for electric cars [View all]Lurker Deluxe
(1,036 posts)20 moving parts?
Somehow suspension and steering systems are going to be gone? Heating and cooling systems are gone? The only difference between electric and gas is the propulsion system and possibly the braking system, but mechanical brakes will still have to be there for safety. And while electricity is efficient in some ways it is terrible in others, ask anyone who has electric heat. You think that gas "wasting" power on heat is bad? Wait until you have to heat that same vehicle with electric from a standing temperature of 20 degrees every time it stops for any period of time. The energy required to keep the sleet from freezing on your windsheild is free from a gas engine, it is a byproduct, take that away and the requirement becomes massive.
Not everyone lives in California.
Cold climates will be a killer for electric, the heat requirement for a 6 passenger vehicle is massive on a cold rainy/snowy day and power requirements for moving through snow will triple the required torque.
Electric may become viable in some areas of the country but to think that gas/diesel will become a "novelty" is not taking all conditions into account.