(2026) 6, pp. 95-108. (pdf)
Thad S. Morton
Abstract:
A comparison of the operational energy efficiency of representative gasoline-powered and battery-electric vehicle transportation systems is presented. Rather than comparing only engine or motor efficiencies, the analysis follows the principal operational energy conversions leading to mechanical work at the vehicle. A representative gasoline-powered transportation system is found to have a higher overall operational energy efficiency than the battery-electric alternative.
References:
Dababneh, F., Aldababneh, H. Z., & Yang, Y., “Third-party electric vehicle battery remanufacturing supply chains,” Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain 15 (2025) 100218.
De Gennaro, M., Paffumi, E., Martini, G., Manfredi, U., Scholz, H., Lacher, H., Kuehnelt, H., & Simic, D., “Experimental Investigation of the Energy Efficiency of an Electric Vehicle in Different Driving Conditions,” SAE Technical Paper 2014-01-1817 (2014).
Dick, A., Greiner, J., Locher, A., & Jauch, F., “Optimization Potential for a State of the Art 8-Speed AT,” SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars—Mechanical Systems 6 (2013) pp. 899–907.
Evans, A., Strezov, V., & Evans, T. J., “Assessment of sustainability indicators for renewable energy technologies,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 13 (2009) pp. 1082–1088.
Faria, R., Moura, P., Delgado, J., & de Almeida, A. T., “A sustainability assessment of electric vehicles as a personal mobility system,” Energy Conversion and Management 61 (2012) pp. 19-30.
GE Energy, “7FA Heavy Duty Gas Turbine Product Evolution,” GE 7FA Brochure (2009) 12 pp.
Liu, Z., Song, J., Kubal, J., Susarla, N., Knehr, K. W., Islam, E., Nelson, P., & Ahmed, S., “Comparing total cost of ownership of battery electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles,” Energy Policy 158 (2021) 112564.
Loy-Benitez, J., Safder, U., Nguyen, H.-T., Li, Q., Woo, T.-Y., & Yoo, C. K., “Techno-economic assessment and smart management of an integrated fuel cell-based energy system with absorption chiller for power, hydrogen, heating, and cooling in an electrified railway network,” Energy 233 (2021) 121099.
McKenzie, K. A., “Sun, wind and waves: EV fossil fuel use and emissions on an isolated, oil-dependent Hawaiian island,” World Electric Vehicle Journal 12 (2021) 87.
National Research Council, Cost, Effectiveness, and Deployment of Fuel Economy Technologies for Light-Duty Vehicles, National Academies Press, Washington, DC (2015), Appendix J.
Nourai, A., Kogan, V. I., & Schafer, C. M., “Load Leveling Reduces T&D Line Losses,” IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery 23 (2008) pp. 2168-2173.
Papazoglou, T. M., “Maximum efficiency of interconnected transmission lines,” IEE Proceedings-Generation Transmission and Distribution 141 (1994), pp. 353-356.
Pokharel, S., Sah, P., & Ganta, D., “Improved prediction of total energy consumption and feature analysis in electric vehicles using machine learning and Shapley additive explanations method,” World Electric Vehicle Journal 12 (2021) 94.
Sandoval, E. M., “Eficiencia energética: Motores de combustión interna vs. motores eléctricos” (“Energy efficiency: Internal combustion engines vs. electric motors”, Revista Multidisciplinar de Estudios Generales 2 (2023) pp. 18–27.
Sears, J., Roberts, D., & Glitman, K., “A comparison of electric vehicle Level 1 and Level 2 charging efficiency,” 2014 IEEE Conference on Technologies for Sustainability (SusTech) (2014) pp. 255-258.
Sheng, K., Dibaj, M., & Akrami, M. “Analysing the cost-effectiveness of charging stations for electric vehicles in the U.K.’s rural areas,” World Electric Vehicle Journal 12 (2021) 232.
Sweeting, W. J., Hutchinson, A. R., & Savage, S. D., “Factors affecting electric vehicle energy consumption,” International Journal of Sustainable Engineering 4 (2011) pp. 192–201.
U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Table 8.1. Average Operating Heat Rate for Selected Energy Sources, 2014 through 2024,” Electric Power Annual, U.S. DOE (2025a).
U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Table 8.2. Average Tested Heat Rates by Prime Mover and Energy Source, 2014–2024,” Electric Power Annual, U.S. Department of Energy (2025b).
U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Table 1.2. Summary Statistics for the United States, 2014–2024,” Electric Power Annual, U.S. Department of Energy (2025c).
U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Table 1.7.C. Utility Scale Facility Net Generation from Natural Gas by Technology: Total (All Sectors),” Electric Power Monthly, U.S. DOE (2025d).
U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (SEDS): Motor Gasoline Consumption Estimates, 2024, U.S. Department of Energy (2026).
Waseem, M., Lakshmi, G. S., Ahmad, M., & Suhaib, M., “Energy storage technology and its impact in electric vehicle: Current progress and future outlook,” Next Energy 6 (2025) 100202.
Wirfs-Brock, J., “Lost In Transmission: How Much Electricity Disappears Between A Power Plant And Your Plug?” Inside Energy, November 6, 2015.