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
Related Posts
