Key context: thermodynamics dictates that heat engines waste a lot of energy.
Credit: Karin Kirk
Well-To-Wheel energy efficiency:
Gasoline: ~20%
Diesel: ~30%
H Fuel Cell: ~25%
BEV (fossil power): ~20%*
BEV (renewable): ~55%*
*BEV is highly dependent on energy source. Anwhere from ~20% WTW from natural gas power generation to 75% from roof-mounted solar.
Keep in mind this is a summary of a summary of a summary.
Sources:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344860096_Comparison_of_the_Overall_Energy_Efficiency_for_Internal_Combustion_Engine_Vehicles_and_Electric_Vehicles
- https://c2e2.unepccc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/09/analysis-of-hydrogen-fuel-cell-and-battery.pdf
- https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2022/08/electrifying-transportation-reduces-emissions-and-saves-massive-amounts-of-energy/