Electric motors vs internal combustion engines

In summary: If it was done without recharging then it is a better result. You see incredible times for some electric vehicles but they can only do one run.Yes, that is correct.
  • #1
Tabaristiio
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2
On average, which has higher power to weight ratio between the two? So on average, if both weighed the same, which one is going to have more power?
 
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  • #2
An electric motor has more power to weight
 
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  • #3
But an internal combustion engine plus a tank of fuel usually has more energy to weight ratio than an electric motor plus battery.
 
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  • #4
anorlunda said:
But an internal combustion engine plus a tank of fuel usually has more energy to weight ratio than an electric motor plus battery.

By a huge factor. My battery pack weighs 275 pounds, but my fuel weighs 60 - and will take the car 20x farther. Indeed, the battery pack and the engine weigh about the same, and the motor and the gas weigh about the same.
 
  • #6
Vanadium 50 said:
By a huge factor. My battery pack weighs 275 pounds, but my fuel weighs 60 - and will take the car 20x farther. Indeed, the battery pack and the engine weigh about the same, and the motor and the gas weigh about the same.
True, though the 'fuel' portion gets on the scale with quite a bit of a necessary baggage that the EV portion does not need: fuel n water pumps, fuel and oil and air filters, carburation or fuel injection, exhaust system, high power heat rejection, starter system, multi gear transmission, differential. Last, the ICE itself is perhaps double or triple the mass of the E motor (4x in your case?).
 
  • #7
The OP gave no clues as to context. We speculate when we think he means vehicles.
 
  • #9
cosmik debris said:
But can it beat it in two races?

Cheers
It did. It was a best of three runs. 2:1 to the Tesla.
 
  • #10
CWatters said:
It did. It was a best of three runs. 2:1 to the Tesla.

If it was done without recharging then it is a better result. You see incredible times for some electric vehicles but they can only do one run.

Cheers
 

1. What is the main difference between electric motors and internal combustion engines?

The main difference between electric motors and internal combustion engines is the way they generate power. Electric motors use electricity to create motion, while internal combustion engines use the combustion of fuel to generate power.

2. Which type of engine is more efficient?

In general, electric motors are considered to be more efficient than internal combustion engines. This is because they convert a higher percentage of the energy they consume into motion, while internal combustion engines waste a significant amount of energy through heat and friction.

3. What are the environmental impacts of these two types of engines?

Electric motors are considered to be more environmentally friendly than internal combustion engines. This is because they do not produce any direct emissions and can be powered by renewable energy sources. Internal combustion engines, on the other hand, release pollutants into the air and contribute to air pollution and climate change.

4. Which type of engine is more suitable for long-term use?

In terms of longevity, electric motors are generally considered to be more durable and require less maintenance compared to internal combustion engines. This is because they have fewer moving parts and do not rely on the combustion of fuel, which can lead to wear and tear over time.

5. Can electric motors replace internal combustion engines in all applications?

While electric motors have many advantages over internal combustion engines, they are not suitable for all applications. Internal combustion engines are still used in many industries, such as aviation and heavy machinery, where the energy density and power output of fossil fuels are necessary. However, electric motors are becoming increasingly popular and are being developed for use in a wider range of applications.

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