Remote Living > Transportation

How much fuel does a gasoline car use for electrical needs?

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JW:

--- Quote from: https://www.quora.com/How-much-HP-is-needed-to-drive-an-80-amp-alternator ---I am assuming that you are talking about a car alternator so here goes.

80 x 14.5 = 1160 watts ( despite the 12V battery the alternator output is nearer 14.5v)

1160 watts = 1.55 Hp if 100% efficient. An alternator is nearer 55%.

You therefore lose approximately 2.75 Hp driving the alternator if it is under load.
--- End quote ---

MattM:
We get a lot of fog in northern Florida, so daytime running lights are common on vehicles.  Lots of numbnuts forget to use headlights in fog conditions, so it is very much warranted.  I'm surprised they don't offer a quasi-hybrid option for cars rather than full EV.  American made cars get a $3750 tax incentive while American-made EV batteries get another $3750 tax incentive.  You no longer need the full EV experience for the tax credits.  The vast majority of travel is during daylight hours where an integrated solar roof of 100W would probably handle 80% of your loads.  Regenerative braking is an idea that should have been incentivized a long time ago since its a small part of a price tag when average cars are in the high $40k these days.

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