Electric Vehicles vs Non-Electric Vehicles: Torque Comparison and Efficiency

When it comes to torque production, the debate between electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is stagnant. The question often arises, can electric vehicles produce more torque than non-electric vehicles?

ICE Engine vs. Electric Motor Torque Capabilities

Is it true that electric motors can provide more torque than ICE engines? Indeed, the torque output of both can vary. How torque is produced depends on the specific design of the engine, whether it has an equivalent horsepower rating. However, one significant advantage that electric motors possess is the capability to deliver peak torque from a standstill, making them ideal for applications requiring immediate acceleration. This flat torque curve is another reason why electric motors are used in trains, where they can produce immense torque without the need for gears or a clutch.

Different Power Sources for Electric Motors

The power source for electric motors in electric trains is not a limiting factor in this discussion. For instance, electric trains can be powered by diesel engines, or they can use electrical power from overhead lines, like those seen on aircraft carriers, submarines, or even advanced concepts like nuclear-powered bombers from the Cold War era. The source of power, whether diesel, nuclear, or renewable, is irrelevant to the performance of the electric motor.

Challenges and Solutions for Torque Management in EVs

While electric motors can produce amazing torque, the challenge lies in harnessing and managing this torque efficiently. One company, Tesla, is working on improving the efficiency of its vehicles at cruising speeds by incorporating air resistors in their motors to control this torque. This innovation, along with the use of hybrids that switch from ICE to electric during take-off, provides an energy management advantage.

The Future of Vehicle Traction

As technologies advance, the focus is shifting towards linear electric motors. Unlike the ICE engine and its reliance on torque to drive rubber tires on asphalt, linear motors use a straight-line magnetic field to move the vehicle directly. This approach significantly reduces energy waste compared to the traditional method, which involves extensive mechanical systems that lose energy in the process of transferring torque from the engine to the tires.

Torque Isn't Everything

The marketing of vehicles often equates torque with power or even manhood, a skewed representation of the reality. Regardless of gender or size, all electric motors produce the same torque output. Towing a large boat up a mountain pass, an example cited to emphasize torque, is a marketing gimmick. In practical terms, this scenario is highly unlikely, and there is no inherent advantage in high torque for such applications.

In conclusion, the torque capabilities of electric vehicles and traditional ICE vehicles are different. Electric motors have superior torque delivery capabilities, providing peak torque from a standstill. However, the key to maximizing this power lies in efficient motor and vehicle design. As technology progresses, solutions like linear electric motors are offering new, more efficient ways to move vehicles directly, reducing energy waste and improving overall efficiency.