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The relative attractiveness of electric and hybrid passenger cars

Conference · · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5371005

The relative attractiveness of electric and hybrid (electric/heat engine) subcompact passenger cars was studied by comparing the total vehicle weight, selling price, ownership cost, and total energy use of computer-synthesized designs having the same power-to-weight ratio and using batteries based on the same technology. It was found that in all respects the hybrid designs were more attractive than the all-electric designs, with the advantages of the hybrids increasing significantly as the power-to-weight ratio was increased. The comparisons were made for city driving, and the relative attractiveness of the hybrid designs was found to be independent of annual mileage up to 12,000 miles/yr. Both hybrid and electric vehicles benefit markedly from the use of an advanced battery such as sodium-sulfur. Such a battery is required before the hybrid passenger car can save both gasoline and total energy compared to a conventional ICE car of the same size.

Research Organization:
General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY
OSTI ID:
5371005
Report Number(s):
CONF-820814-
Journal Information:
Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Vol. 1; ISSN PIECD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English