Myths and shibboleths about electric vehicles: the long tailpipe theory
60% efficiency in a power plant – yes but only measured at the outlet of the turbine. The power then needs to go through the grid (with losses attached to that), potentially go into storage (not free either) and then needs to pass the charging process which is known for some energy losses as well. The 25% in the ICE goes straight to the wheels. I am not an engineer but comparing the 60% to the 25% is highly misleading. Are I am just getting warmed up here.
One of the most frequent comments spouted by critics of electric vehicles is, “the electricity they use is produced by fossil fuels, so actually they’re more polluting than petrol or diesel vehicles.” The long tailpipe theory, repeatedly rubbished by science, is still the fallback argument for the ill-informed.
