Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance
If it takes 100 HP to power a motorhome at steady highway speed, then installing a “really small gas engine” to power alternators that then power electric motors would be very inefficient. A small engine would have to work much harder and would end up using more fuel.
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That is not true. Why do you think Ford's 2.7 liter EcoBoost engine gets such good fuel economy- because they are small displacement and work relatively hard.
Gasoline engines which are throttled are always more efficient if smaller for a given horse power output. Throttling a big gasoline engine is inherently inefficient.
But you do have to consider engine life for a small engine. I doubt that the EcoBoost would last for 200,000 miles while putting out 100 hp continuously. Diesels can do it but they have heavy blocks and a fuel that lubricates to help with wear.
The foregoing makes me wonder why Ford came out with their new 7.3 liter V8 for E350, E450 and F53 chassis. It would seem that a 4-5 liter engine would be more efficient, even at 100 hp, perhaps with a mild turbocharger. Maybe engine life is more important. Nothing beats cubes for engine life.
David
Thor Forums
