Michael Ross via EV wrote:
If I want to think I am reducing energy consumption, I seek a lower
average speed. Not much else helps to the same extent. Skinny tires,
better regen efficiency, hidden wiper blades, lower overall
height?... meh.
I agree on regen, hidden wipers, and lower height. But tires really do
make a big difference.
There is at least a 2:1 difference in the rolling resistance of
otherwise similar tires. This translates into about a 10-20% difference
in range (more at low speeds where tires are a big part of your losses;
less at high speeds where wind resistance dominates).
The trouble is, it's hard to find data on rolling resistance. Your best
bet is usually to get OEM tires from some car that needs to have good
gas mileage. (Note that the tires sold in tire stores are NOT the same
tires that car manufacturers get!)
Tire pressure, wheel alignment, and dragging brakes also make a big
difference. Most tires get underinflated for a "cushy ride", or just
because no one has checked the pressure in months. Wheel alignment is
also likely to be off. And *most* car's brakes drag, with the pads
constantly running against the calipers because there aren't really any
spring retractors.
--
A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is
nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
-- Antoine de Saint Exupery
--
Lee Hart's EV projects are at http://www.sunrise-ev.com/LeesEVs.htm
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