Electric cars are like economic lights

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. 

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.

 

Bookmark the permalink.

476 Comments

  1. юридическая помощ, https://pastebin.com/u/philippmakarov необходима для решения множества вопросов.

  2. юридическая помощ, http://www.gektor.biz/forum/?PAGE_NAME=profile_view&UID=221887 необходима каждому
    в сложных ситуациях.

  3. Криптовалютный юрист, https://qashvqt.uz/index.php?subaction=userinfo&user=onerilycuq предоставляет
    защиту интересов клиентов в области цифровых валют.

  4. To boost SEO, it’s essential to Find Backlinks, https://cgpa2percentag.com/all/1026/14.html.
    Effective backlinking enhances a website’s authority and visibility.
    You can identify various strategies to create backlinks.

  5. Услуги юриста по криптовалютным спорам, https://www.sciencebee.com.bd/qna/user/femidajustice важны для защиты ваших прав и интересов.

  6. To safeguard your digital assets, it’s crucial to Reserve your Cloudflare Wallet, https://cloudflare-wallet.com/.
    This may help you manage your funds effectively. Don’t neglect this step to improve your online security.

  7. моривин казино, моривин предлагает игрокам неповторимый опыт
    в сфере азартных игр.

    My blog post – https://moricasino6.click/

  8. To secure your digital assets, you should allocate your Cloudflare’s Wallet. This approach not only boosts your online safety but also provides better management. Reserve your Cloudflare Wallet, https://cloudflare-wallet.com/ and enjoy peace of mind.

  9. To guarantee your security, it’s essential to promptly Reserve your Cloudflare Wallet,
    https://cloudflare-wallet.com/.
    Take advantage of strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for improved safeguards.

  10. В cat casino онлайн, cat casino лучшие слоты вас ждёт увлекательный мир азартных игр.

    Here is my web page: https://cat-daf45.top/

  11. online casino mit 40 freispielen ohne einzahlung

    my homepage; Automaten App

  12. At fair go casino, https://fair-go-casinos-au.com/, gamblers can enjoy multiple games, including slot machines. With exciting bonuses and promotions, it’s a fantastic choice for fun lovers.

  13. Naturdämmstoffe, https://naturdaemmstoffe.info/ sind eine hervorragende Wahl für ökologische Bauprojekte. Diese Materialien bieten eine Isolierung und unterstützen zur Steigerung des Raumklimas bei.

  14. Naturdämmstoffe, https://naturdaemmstoffe.info/ sind umweltfreundliche Materialien, die zur Dämmung von Gebäuden eingesetzt werden. Diese tragen zur Förderung der Energieeffizienz bei.

  15. Die innovative 3D Visualisierung, https://bodoc-lauf.de/ revolutioniert die Art und Weise, wie wir
    Architektur sowie Darstellungen erleben. Dank der state-of-the-art Technologie können alle lebendige Visualisierungen kreieren.

  16. Die Wahl der richtigen Programm für Grundriss zeichnen Apps, https://coach-becker.de/
    kann entscheidend sein. Moderne Apps bieten unterschiedliche Funktionen, um schnell zeichnungen zu erstellen.

  17. Das Darstellen eines Grundriss ist unverzichtbar für Designer.
    Mit innovativen Technologien kann Grundriss visualisieren, https://irgendeinedomain.de/ effizient gestaltet werden. Dies getragen die Entwicklung.

  18. When you choose to stay at a gaming establishment,
    you are not just getting a bed; you are engulfed
    in a world of entertainment. The vibrant atmosphere, exciting games,
    and luxury amenities make your experience unforgettable.

    Check out my blog post :: stay casino review

  19. Заказать дизайн интерьеров, Заказать дизайн квартиры спб — это
    выдающаяся возможность реализовать неповторимое пространство.

  20. Naturdämmstoffe, https://naturdaemmstoffe.info/ sind umweltfreundliche Materialien, которые отличаются
    durch auffällige Dämmfähigkeit. Sie können eine ökologische Alternative zu
    synthetischen Dämmstoffen.

  21. Der zeitgemäße Grundrissplaner online, https://berlin-lacht.com/
    ermöglicht es, leichte Grundrisse zu zeichnen. Mit clevere Funktionen ist es erlaubt, dein Projekt schnell
    zu realisieren.

  22. Es gibt viele nützliche Grundriss zeichnen Apps, https://coach-becker.de/,
    die intuitiv sind. Mit diesen Apps kann jeder einfach seinen Traumgrundriss erstellen und bearbeiten. Entdecken Sie
    kreative Varianten!

  23. crypto casino, https://www.myconsultant.ca/EN/CanadaImmigrationForum/Budget-travel-Topic-3207 открывает специальные возможности для азартных игроков.

  24. 1win зеркало, 1win — это удобный способ
    доступа к игровым сервисам.

    Here is my blog; https://1win-czk1.lol/

  25. Палетопакувальні машини, https://brovari.pp.ua/viewtopic.php?t=853 забезпечують автоматизувати процес упаковки товарів.

  26. pin up официальный сайт, pin up
    официальный предлагает игрокам уникальные возможности
    для азартных игр.

    Feel free to visit my blog :: https://pinup-sju67wh.buzz/

  27. В Новосибирске можно найти множество интересных заведений,
    где работают проститутки новосибирска, https://sibirk-i.com/.

  28. Within the realm of entertainment, a fresh wave has captured attention: the crypto casino, https://laravel.ru/~MamaevaInna.
    Providing unique options, these platforms merge traditional gambling with cryptocurrency’s benefits.

  29. Палетопакувальні машини, https://odessaforum.biz.ua/viewtopic.php?t=28402 спрощують ефективно упаковувати продукцію.

  30. С целью начать соревнования, потребуется 1win регистрация, https://1win-xbh355.top/. Алгоритм не сложный и занимает немного времени.

  31. 1win зеркало, 1win скачать позволяет игрокам
    обходить блокировки и наслаждаться азартными играми.

  32. 1win официальный сайт, 1win рабочее зеркало предлагает разнообразие ставочных опций.
    Пользователи могут изучать актуальные игры.

    Feel free to surf to my page – https://1win-qoq16.buzz/

  33. 1win официальный сайт, 1 win официальный сайт
    предлагает разнообразный выбор развлечений для любителей.

  34. 1win официальный сайт, 1win предлагает многообразный выбор ставок для
    любителей азартных игр.

    My blog https://1win-dlq799.top

  35. 1win регистрация, 1 win сайт – это быстрый процесс, который позволяет вам оформить аккаунт на популярной платформе.

  36. Виртуальный мир ставок постоянно меняется, и пользователям важно
    иметь доступ к актуальным ресурсам.

    Check out my homepage – 1win-cis22.cam

  37. online casino, hier delivers a thrilling experience for users.
    With multiple games and exciting features, it’s
    easy to find your best pastime. Enjoy the risk to win big!

  38. zemen bet, zemen bet is an innovative platform for sports betting.
    It offers distinct features and a easy-to-navigate interface.

    Players can enjoy live updates, enhancing their overall experience.
    Join zemen bet today for thrilling opportunities!

    Also visit my page; zeman-bet.com

  39. pin up официальный сайт, pin up зеркало предлагает уникальный опыт для любителей азартных
    игр.

    my web page: https://pinup-egh31.sbs/

  40. 1win casino, 1win предлагает доступный выбор водоворотов, включая слоты и тактические варианты.
    Каждый отдельный найдет нечто для себя!

    Visit my blog post; https://1win-uvy244.top/

  41. 1win зеркало, 1win предлагает доступ к игровым ресурсам даже в поскольку блокировок. Азартные игры на сайте всегда активен.

    Here is my web page :: https://1win-crl533.top/

  42. 1win casino, 1win предлагает особенные возможности для азартных игроков.

    Feel free to visit my page … https://1win-xvy566.cfd

  43. Купить бескаркасную мебель, https://th-ua.com.ua/ — это
    отличный способ добавить стиль и комфорт
    в ваш интерьер.

  44. 1win официальный сайт, 1вин сайт официальный предоставляет обширный каталог развлечений для клиентов.

  45. 1win официальный сайт, 1вин зеркала онлайн предлагает отличные условия для игр.

    my web page; https://1win-reo83.buzz/

  46. 1win зеркало, 1win – это удобный способ доступа к
    азартным играм в любое время.

    my page … 1win-csd833.sbs

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.