There’s a detailed explanation of the differences between an electric motor and an internal-combustion engine (ICE). The latter is far more complicated - it requires a crankshaft with counterweights to translate the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, a flywheel to smooth power output, a DC motor for starting, an alternator to charge the battery, a cooling system, and a host of other gadgets that an electric motor doesn’t need. An induction motor, which produces direct rotational motion and uniform power output, is much smaller and lighter. Tesla’s induction motor puts out 270 kW of power and weighs 31.8 kg, whereas an ICE that produces 140 kW of power is going to weigh around 180 kg. [1]
Teslas use electric motors that have two moving parts, and single-speed “transmissions” that have no gears. The company says its drivetrain has about 17 moving parts compared with about 200 in a conventional internal combustion drivetrain.[2]
Far fewer moving parts, and a transmission with no moving parts.
Electric cars are so efficient that they are actually bad for the economy - by some estimates it may cut the number of jobs in auto manufacturing by 50%. [2] Who knows how many jobs will be lost with the reduction in fossil fuels and the disappearance of gas stations, fuel deliveries, fewer mechanics... Electric motors also last for decades with negligible degradation compared to ICEs. The advances in battery technology will make older EVs that much more valuable, since their range will increase over time with battery upgrades that will probably be cheaper than buying a similarly sized IC engine.
Teslas use electric motors that have two moving parts, and single-speed “transmissions” that have no gears. The company says its drivetrain has about 17 moving parts compared with about 200 in a conventional internal combustion drivetrain.[2]
Far fewer moving parts, and a transmission with no moving parts.
Electric cars are so efficient that they are actually bad for the economy - by some estimates it may cut the number of jobs in auto manufacturing by 50%. [2] Who knows how many jobs will be lost with the reduction in fossil fuels and the disappearance of gas stations, fuel deliveries, fewer mechanics... Electric motors also last for decades with negligible degradation compared to ICEs. The advances in battery technology will make older EVs that much more valuable, since their range will increase over time with battery upgrades that will probably be cheaper than buying a similarly sized IC engine.
[1] https://evannex.com/blogs/news/how-does-an-electric-car-work
[2] https://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-things-that-make-the-te...
[3] https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/electric-vehicles-pos...