Intro
We are now living in a world where incandescent light bulbs are almost completely replaced with LED lamps. LED lighting is everywhere, and delivers good results: good light quality, good price, excellent energy efficiency and pretty much 100% compatible with existing fixtures. But things were not always this great, the journey between now and the old incandescent bulbs is quite a bumpy one.
And speaking of a bumpy journey, this journey is a good example of what is happening in the car world, as we are now transitioning to electric mobility.
It started with a ban
Some years ago, the EU and other countries started to ban incandescent lights in favor of more energy efficient ones and that made a lot of people very angry. While the intention was good, the products available at that moment were not so. People were coming with a lot reasons why the switch was not acceptable and unfairly enforced, but all had the same underlying cause: the quality and usability of new ones was worse than the older ones, despite being more energy efficient.
Still, technology prevailed and today things are doing a lot better than before and we have the best of both worlds: quality and energy efficiency, all at a price that is worth it. Let’s go through the timeline of economic lighting and see how that parallels with electric cars. There are three big stages: the classic incandescent bulbs, the early CFL and LED bulbs and the contemporary LED bulbs. In the same way, cars follow three stages too: the gas car, current electric cars and future electric cars.
Timeline of energy efficient light bulbs in parallel with a timeline of electric cars. Image sources here, here, here, here, here, here.
_in_Blue_Flame,_front_left.jpg){kind=link}
Early years of eco lighting – where electric car are now
CFL
CFLs are the best example of taking some existing technology and bending it to serve a slightly different purpose. Just take the typical fluorescent tube, bend it around to make it more compact, add the electronics in a small base and add a bulb screw and expect them to be a drop in replacement for traditional bulbs. But, besides saving a lot of energy, they had a lot of problems: the quality of the light was bad, they were often too big to fit in existing fixtures and they did not deliver on the lifetime they promised. Add on top of this the long payback time and the pile of cheap brands that failed prematurely and you get a lot of skeptical people.
First LED bulbs
First LED bulbs followed, but took a while before they could be price competitive: the 60W equivalent from Philips launched at 60 EUR price and consumed 12W. They were solving some issues with the CFLs (long startup time, huge size), while still remaining rather large and expensive. The next years brought advances in electronics which reduced the size of the circuits inside and increase the efficiency of the LEDs. This made them smaller and they almost reached standard bulb size.
Current electric cars
The early years of CFL and first generation LED bulbs is the where we are with electric cars now. Old existing technology, like 18650 battery manufacturing equipment, was repurposed for building car battery packs. Small improvements in efficiency are being made, and significant reductions in cost as well. But by and large, current electric cars maintain the limitations of old CFLs: they are much more expensive and do not deliver on the same quality and comfort that is provided by the status quo they are trying to replace.
Contemporary LED lights – Future electric cars
Contemporary LED bulbs
You see, LED diodes, the things that actually make the light, require a low voltage to operate, almost 3V, which is comparable to what you get from a pair of AA batteries. This is about 100 times lower than the mains voltage, so we need a converter. Because of this, early LED bulb contain what is essentially a power brick in the form of a base full of Big electronics. That is where the next invention comes in:
Filament LEDs are a new way to manufacture LED diodes that is great for light bulbs: tiny LEDs are built together with connections in a series chain and embedded in a filament. This comes with 2 great advantages, besides a lower cost: chain about 100 together and you got an LED diode that works directly at the mains voltage – no more big electronic converter needed! And, because they are spread apart more, the heat is better dissipated without the need of a heatsink.
You now have the holy grail of incandescent bulb replacement: it’s cheap, energy efficient, high quality, all together a perfect replacement for the old incandescent. From the 60 EUR Philips light that consumed 12W we are now at 2 EUR bulbs that consume 6W, a 30X improvement in price and 2X in energy efficiency.
Future electric cars
Future electric cars require some fundamental inventions like the Filament LEDs: a better way to make the key component of the product, in this case, the battery. Cost has been reduced a lot with current batteries, but the main problem that remains is the low energy density of the battery.
Can you imagine a future Tesla model 3, with a lower price and same characteristics are the current one, but double the range? You can get that with a battery with double the energy density. This would make the car a lot more attractive to everyone. All of a sudden, it can go in longer trips, need far fewer stops at rapid charging and significantly reduce the hassles and worries current electric cars generate. Increased battery density will also mean that cheaper cars can be made which have an acceptable range, which is impossible now.
Conclusions
Converting heat to other forms of energy like light or motion is very inefficient. Electric lighting has moved from the energy inefficient incandescent to the energy efficient, contemporary LED bulbs. The problem of energy efficient lighting is solved, as we now have cheap and fully compatible replacements for the old incandescent bulb. There is no way in which contemporary LED lighting is inferior to the old incandescent for the average user, while they are cheap and have a much smaller running cost, making everyone finally happy about the change. But there was a bad phase there in the middle: just when we moved to energy efficient lighting with old technology.
Current electric cars are now in that middle phase: they are not really a complete replacement for gas cars in function, let alone in price, just like it happened with the light bulbs. But given enough interest from the industry and enough inventions over time and they will become. The electric car of the future will solve the low range and high cost problems, while improvements in the external infrastructure will make them a complete replacement for gas cars which everyone will be happy with.
зеркало 1xbet, 1xbet предоставляет пользователям возможность обходить блокировки и наслаждаться ставками.
Check out my homepage; https://1xbet-me825.sbs/
Пользователи часто сталкиваются с проблемами доступа к сайтам азартных игр.
my webpage: https://1xbet-do2y6.cfd
зеркало 1xbet, 1xbet зеркало рабочее на сегодня — это отличный способ для игроков получить доступ к букмекерской конторе.
1xbet зеркало, 1xbet позволяет пользователям легко обходить блокировки.
Review my web blog – https://1xbet-kad1e.cyou/
1xbet зеркало, 1xbet позволяет
игрокам получить доступ к любимым играм без ограничений.
Feel free to visit my web page – https://1xbet-8lhj3.cyou/
Использование 1xbet зеркало, 1xbet
позволит вам получить доступ к любимым играм и ставкам даже в случае блокировок.
Here is my web blog :: 1xbet-00txx.sbs
зеркало 1xbet, 1xbet – это отличный способ получить доступ к
любимым ставкам на спорт. Оно позволяет
обойти блокировки продолжать все функции.
Feel free to surf to my blog post; https://1xbet-ucyfl.cfd/
зеркало 1xbet, 1xbet — это удобный способ обхода блокировок.
Игроки могут легко найти альтернативные
ссылки для доступа к сайту.
Look at my page – 1xbet-v152y.cfd
1xbet зеркало, 1xbet — это удобный способ доступа к платформе для ставок.
В случае блокировки сайта,
1xbet зеркало, 1хбет зеркало предоставляет отличный способ доступа к
любимым ставкам.
зеркало 1xbet, 1xbet — это идеальный способ обойти блокировки.
Игроки могут легко узнавать актуальные ссылки.
Here is my page :: https://1xbet-496n9.cfd
1xbet зеркало, 1хбет
зеркало позволяет пользователям обходить блокировки и наслаждаться играми.
зеркало 1xbet, 1xbet — это отличный способ обойти
блокировки. Оно позволяет пользователям доступать в сайт, даже если основной ресурс закрыт.
Feel free to visit my web page … https://1xbet-x4j7e.sbs
1xbet зеркало, 1xbet позволяет игрокам обходить блокировки и наслаждаться ставками.
Check out my web-site; https://1xbet-dvyzh.top/
работа в казахстане, работа в казахстане даёт множество вариантов для карьеры в различных
сферах.
1xbet зеркало, 1xbet – это удобный способ доступа к
азартным играм. Ресурсы предоставляют возможность
участвовать без ограничений.
Also visit my homepage 1xbet-clohk.icu
официальный сайт 1xbet, 1xbet предлагает пользователям широкий выбор спортивных сталей для ставок.
Visit my web site https://1xbet-21ktr.icu/
официальный сайт 1xbet, 1xbet предлагает широкий выбор вариантов.
Here is my homepage … https://1xbet-k6qtd.sbs/
работа в казахстане, вакансии в казахстане сегодня открывает
множество перспектив для успеха.
Ретро электрика EDISEL, https://edisel.ru/ –
это эксклюзивное сочетание
ретро дизайна и новейших технологий.
Das einzigartige sunmaker casino, sunmaker casino stellt zur Verfügung eine große Auswahl an Spielen,
die Abwechslung sichern. Starte deine Spieleerfahrung jetzt, während du die Angebote des geschützten sunmaker
casino nutzst.
Welcome to basswin casino, https://se-legal.net/, where entertainment meets style.
Explore a world of adventures that can be enjoyed.
Join gamblers today!
At basswin casino, https://basswin-uk.casino/,
players find joy in a selection of games. The ambiance is welcoming, making it easy to relax.
Wins await those who try their luck!
Утилизация техники СССР, https://tochka-utilizacii-eco2life.ru/ требует внимательного подхода.
Les dernières Actualités football, valorant
ranks ont exité énormément d’intérêt parmi les supporters du sport.
De actes dans le terrain ont retenu l’attention des aficionados et mettent
en avant l’importance pour ce jeu.
Here is my blog … valorant rank
массаж Карловы Вары, оздоровительный массаж Карловы Вары – это уникальная процедура, включающая в себя гармоничное сочетание
методов,.
Туроператор Азурит, http://www.jbt4.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=8671845 доставляет
интересные авиа-экскурсии
в разным земли, опираясь на запросы
клиентов.
Welcome to basswin casino, https://basswin.casino/,
where entertainment meets victory. Players can discover
a wide selection of games, including blackjack. The environment is both energetic and inviting, perfect for both
seasoned players.
online casino, http://parrhpromocoes.com.br/the-thrill-of-uncertainty-navigating-the-world-of/ features a thrilling way to experience gambling from
the comfort of your home. Players can select from a wide range of titles that suit all preferences.
online casino, Reliable blockchain casino gives a thrilling journey for gaming enthusiasts.
Players can relish a variety of games, from classic slots to modern table games.
The convenience of playing online attracts numerous users worldwide.
seo продвижение сайта, https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7453061350789902336 — это ключевой аспект
успешного интернет-бизнеса.
trgovina s pohištvom, https://freebusinessdirectory.com//search_res_show.php?l=545822&s=&p=1&n=10&f= prinaša široko
nabor modularnega pohištva. Vse kos je temeljito zasnovan, da zadostuje potrebam strank.
Oblikovan je za udobje in posebne želje.
trgovina s pohištvom, https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/member.php?u=246901 je specializirana za široko seznam estetskega pohištva.
Vsak kos je temeljito zasnovan, da ustreza potrebam strank.
Купить розы, https://big-rose.ru/ — идеальный способ порадовать близких.
Такие цветы придают красоту в любой декор.
Выбор сортов удивляет.
The fun of playing at an online casino, SG Casino DE
is incredible. With a selection of games available, players can experience their favorite slots right from home.
Bonuses and deals make it even more appealing for newcomers.
online casinos, tether casino liste offer
an enticing way to take part in gambling from the luxury of your home.
With countless games and promotions, players can select their favorite options easily.
В портале 1 вин официальный сайт, 1win можно найти многообразные варианты по поклонников
вина, так делает его необходимым ресурсом.
Here is my page https://1win-pvcnv.cyou
1 вин официальный сайт, сегодня 1win предлагает уникальные возможности
для любителей азартных игр.
Découvrez le meilleur casino en ligne, comparatif casinos en ligne en France
présentant des jeux variés ainsi que des bonus attrayants.
Participez aux machines à sous ou aux jeux de table pour ressentir
des sensations fortes.
мостбет казино, мостбет предлагает
богатый выбор развлечений для фанатов азартных
игр.
Feel free to visit my web blog; https://mostbet-9xrdx.cfd/
Казино Пин-ап предлагает геймерам уникальные
возможности для игры.
my web page https://pin-up-casino-s8p1q.cyou
pin up casino зеркало, pin-up casino предлагает игрокам возможность наслаждаться
любимыми играми в любое время.
Check out my web-site; https://pin-up-casino-po96t.cyou/
пин-ап казино, pin-up casino предлагает крутые игры, которые способствуют получить адреналин.
Here is my website :: https://pin-up-casino-u9i1z.lol
сайт pin up casino, pin-up casino предлагает большой выбор развлечений для
шансонов азартных приключений.
My website; https://pin-up-casino-75ae8.click
сайт pin up casino, pin-up casino предлагает
восторг для фанатов азартных игр.
Also visit my web page … pin-up-casino-7xn0v.lol
однако процесс этот довольно сложен, ведь одним хочется одно, https://ramblermails.com/ другим – другое, и очень непросто угодить всем.
вентиляционное оборудование, купить напольный кондиционер выполняет ключевую
роль в обеспечении комфортного климата в помещениях.
online casino, Spin Lander casino login offers an exciting gaming experience.
Participants can experience a variety of games from slot
machines to card games anytime, anywhere.
My homepage … https://spinlander.de.com/de-ch/einloggen
вентиляционное оборудование, промышленная вентиляция монтаж воздухообрабатывающее оборудование играет ключевую роль в
обеспечении.
The biggest hurdle holding me back (and likely many others) is not range, but battery *repairability*.
Right now, the battery works or it doesn’t. If it fails, the manufacturer’s answer is to throw the entire car away and get another one. Insist on just replacing the pack? it will cost more than a *new* car. Want to just fix the single cell or single connection or single sensor in the pack that broke? No, not allowed.
Given the physics, it’s unlikely that doubling energy density will improve that situation as the liability will only increase.
Some third-parties are appearing that will try to service packs, but that’s only useful for older EVs as it voids the warranty. “Parts pairing” a la Apple may kill that too, if not just the lack of standardization and lack of publickly-available service tools, manuals, and software.
My current ride is a Honda hybrid (200k+ miles…). It still runs and drives even if the battery fails completely (why I bought it over a Prius). If the engine fails, I can just get whatever broke fixed. I don’t have to replace the whole engine and everything attached to it like the battery pack in an EV.
Same is true for physical damage. Tiny dent in the bottom of the battery case? Replace the whole car (see: Hyundai Canada). Knock a giant hole in the oil pan of a gas engine? Replace the pan and carry on (assuming one stops when the oil light comes on, unlike my sister… ;).