Comment on Japan automakers play catch-up in EV race
You999@sh.itjust.works 1 year agoPeople are obsessed with efficiency because it’s the only metric that matters. We have a finite amount of resources on this planet and efficiency is the only way we can make it last. If you aren’t a ‘save the planet’ type of person then efficiency still matters because it’s directly correlated with cost.
Hypx@kbin.social 1 year ago
Better ban solar panels cause they're only 15-20% efficient...
You999@sh.itjust.works 1 year ago
You are comparing different efficiencies. Solar panels are 15% to 20% efficient at converting light into energy. As far as I’m aware every Efuel being developed (and every hydrocarbon fuel for that matter) has a 0% efficiency at converting light into energy but if I am mistaken please do correct me.
Hypx@kbin.social 1 year ago
E-fuels are made from solar power. It is not anywhere near 0%. Also, clearly efficiency is not "the only metric that matters."
Honytawk@lemmy.zip 1 year ago
No they are made from electricity, and that electricity is made by solar panels (sometimes).
Any form of conversion means losing energy.
PlatinumSf@pawb.social 1 year ago
In a completely technical sense the hydrocarbon fuel was at one time produced from light energy (dead plants) but that’s taking your point and being pedantic since the “efficiency” of the conversation is probably astronomically low when you account for the loses sustained by whatever lifeform died and became said hydrocarbons.