Fisker Karma

[Mr2Mike]

RizzoTheRat said:

So why are commercial generators generally diesel?

Because they are more efficient and longer lasting.

[ajprice]

If the 34 mpg was the US measurement, and it probably was, then that's more like 41-42mpg over here - http://www.mpgtokpl.com/mpgustompguk.htm

[JonnyVTEC]

Caulkhead said:

Can someone explain to me in simple terms why it is more efficient to use a petrol engine to charge a very heavy battery and then use that charge to turn the wheels than it is to do away with the batteries and just use the engine please?

There is no battery involvement for charge sustaining mode with the engine running.

[thinfourth2]

Caulkhead said:

thinfourth2 said:

Caulkhead said:

Can someone explain to me in simple terms why it is more efficient to use a petrol engine to charge a very heavy battery and then use that charge to turn the wheels than it is to do away with the batteries and just use the engine please?

It isn't

Unless every single time you get into your car your drive it 300 miles at motorway speed then you can charge up the battery pack from the mains while you are at home. This means for short journeys you can use battery power only, for the monthly visit to grannies 300 miles away you use petrol

Why would that concern the buyer of a £90,000 GT car?

Have you been to a petrol station?

[Prawo Jazdy]

I don't think it's the first car TG has shown that could be a plausible future vehicle. That Honda FCX was a production hydrogen vehicle, after all. I can see the PH conditioning taking effect though - I saw the profile on the Fisker's tyres and thought "ooh, I bet that will ride badly over here". It's so styled that it would probably look stupid with lots of sidewall though.

[ZeeTacoe]

Caulkhead said:

It would also explain why, despite having a Veyron frightening 1000lb-ft of torque, it can 'only' manage 0-60 in 5.8 seconds - I'm guessing of the total near 2.5 tonnes the car weighs, at least a tonne of that is battery?

I struggle to see why this is any more efficient than the Audi overall when one considers its' market sector. Am I missing something?

That and everyone quotes the torque at the wheels(direct drive you see) for the electric car and engine figures for the conventional car.