Posted by: Guest in MyBlog on Aug 16, 2009
This is the first of a 5 part series of blogs shedding light on the fundamentals behind the energy required for transportation purposes. In this series, we will examine the chemistry, energy, and utilization of power required to form a sound comparative basis between electric powered and gasoline powered vehicles.
Upon hearing that GM is now touting its long awaited entry in to electric vehicle (EV) market the Volt (shipping end of 2010) with mileage estimates of 230 mpg, I thought it appropriate to step back and examine some of the fundamentals around this claim. Frankly, I was aghast at this claim since many EV companies struggle to get to triple-digit mileage and wondered what math and chemistry calculations could possibly be behind these claims. This is an attempt to better understand the basics and them apply them to this claim for validation and understanding. Let's just say - I have trouble with 100 mpg much less 230 mpg.
It is important to understand the eyes through which this analysis will be undertaken. First and foremost, I'm an engineer who uses fundamental physics to develop an understanding to design problems first and then applies a sense of practicality to the underlying principles to engineer the appropriate product/solution. In addition, I have spent more than half of my career in marketing translating the engineering speak into consumer ease. I understand the struggle that engineers have in communicating highly sophisticated concepts and the tendency that marketeers have in exaggerating or misrepresenting "stretching" the facts. To that end, I'll try to wear both hats in this endeavor - simplifying the engineering while maintaining an honest, accurate representation of the facts and their implications in terms that are easily understood.