tonyspumoni
Elio Addict
Simple physics says that in terms of energy use, the Elio will be more environmentally friendly than the Leaf, the Tesla, or any vehicle outweighing it by a wide margin. F=MA cannot be contravened - force is proportional to moving mass. 39% of electrical energy is generated through the burning of coal and 27% by natural gas (http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=427&t=3). Throw in transmission losses of 6% (http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=105&t=3) and that 3243 lb Nissan Leaf will actually use MORE fossil fuels than an Elio, even factoring in regenerative braking gains. And while regenerative braking can indeed capture about half of the kinetic energy, it doesn't double fuel economy for the simple reason that most of the time we are driving we are NOT braking (http://proev.com/LLPgs/LLei0005.htm)
It is true that lithium can be recycled but not indefinitely and when a lithium battery does neet to be discarded it is also incredibly toxic and requires remediation.
An aerodynmic body style, appropriately sized motor, light weight, and low rolling resistance will make the Elio a very, very efficient vehicle, and one I won't feel guilty driving.
It is true that lithium can be recycled but not indefinitely and when a lithium battery does neet to be discarded it is also incredibly toxic and requires remediation.
An aerodynmic body style, appropriately sized motor, light weight, and low rolling resistance will make the Elio a very, very efficient vehicle, and one I won't feel guilty driving.