Nov 24, 2009
Compressed Air Cars Less Efficient Than Electric Cars
It has been assumed that compressed air cars are cleaner than battery electric cars, but the reality is they are quite inefficient. A new study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters reveals that while in theory compressed air cars seem like a potential competitor to EVs, when it comes to lifecycle efficiency, they just don’t make the grade.
The problem lies in the electricity needed to compress the air – a lot of it is lost as heat. The study concludes that even under ideal circumstances, the compressed air car is far less efficient than a battery-powered electric one and results in more GHG emissions than a conventional gas-powered car with our current coal-heavy energy mix. Lifecycle analysis showed compressed air lagged far behind electric vehicles in energy required, emissions and costs.
Lastly, battery technology is advancing everyday and is already well-tested and reliable. Compressed air technology is not likely to advance as quickly or as assuredly, meaning compressed air may still find a home in small urban vehicles, but its reach will be limited.
via Environmental Research Letters
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