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What is Tesla's mpg if fossil fuel is used to make electricity?

So many people think it's pointless to get an EV, since we get most of our electricity from fossil fuels in the USA. I think this is incorrect, and I explain why below.

Let's get some stats first.
https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3
In the USA as a whole, electricity comes from the following sources:

  • 60% from fossil fuels
  • 18% from nuclear
  • 22% from renewable sources
What is Tesla's "gas mileage" if electricity comes from fossil fuels only?
According to this federal agency (https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=667&t=6):
  • A gas turbine power plant produces 12.90 kWh/gallon of gasoline.
  • A Tesla model Y long range uses ~284 Wh/mile (ranges from 250-320, depending on the speed, temperature...).
  • Therefore, a Tesla Y gets 45.4 miles per gallon of gasoline.
  • Since there are small losses during charging and electric motors are not 100% efficient, let's say this is 40 mpg.
Since 40% of the US electricity comes from non CO2-producing sources, we need to add 27 mpg to the gasoline mileage only.

Therefore, the total mpg of a Tesla Y in the USA is about ~67 mpg of fossil fuels.
  • Given the size and performance of the car, there is nothing in the gasoline world that can match that efficiency.
  • This number will go up as renewables contribute more to our electricity. 
  • This number does not apply if the EV owner has solar panels (then there is basically no CO2 production in the entire process).
  • EVs have many other advantages, as they do not consume lubricating oils and do not need most replacement parts (they are essentially maintenance free).

 

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