2007-03-20 09:46:49 · 12 answers · asked by dannyjcoyle 1 in Environment
NO NO NO....this is a myth!
They only take power from your battery when the engine is off, otherwise it takes it from the regulator on the alternator. The alternator creates electricity by rotating at a speed proportional to the engine. It creates it by friction. The level of friction does not increase with electrical demand as it is normal for an alternator to be rated based on the gadgets and gizmos in the grade of vehicle. This means that it is ALL controlled by the regulator and the more you switch on has bugger all on fuel consumption as the alternator is more than capable with the demand. The exception to this rule is Aircon. This runs off a compressor, not the alternator. When you turn your aircon on, an electrically switched clutch is operated on the compressor pulley that connects the pully to the compressor gubbins inside. This in turn operates a little piston like object that requires force. This force is then turned into load (force) that is taken from the engine which requires extra fuel to maintain the same speeds as if driving without. (like going up a hill). SO NO, EVERYTHING IN YOUR CAR THAT IS ELECTRIC DOES NOT USE PETROL. Not EXTRA petrol anyway, as I am assuming you would be using them whilst driving anyway!
EDIT: For those of you who think the power is taken from the battery that is recharged by the alternator. This is not strictly true. Going back many years this would have happened, but it was a dynamo, not an alternator. Thats why Very old cars headlights brighten up when the engine is revved. If yours is a modern car and does it, it means your alternator is not rated correctly for your vehicle.
2007-03-20 09:58:36 · answer #1 · answered by Haddock 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The alternator uses electricity and uses a part of a Horse-power.
HP uses petrol therefore alternator uses petrol, so, everything electrical in the car uses petrol.
(Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but, it can be converted into other forms - conservation of energy).
2007-03-20 09:56:50 · answer #2 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, if it is a petrol engine car
if it is plug-in electric then no petrol is used, giving a much more enjoyable, smooth, quiet smell free ride.
see 0-60 in 4 seconds 250 miles per charge super car,
www.teslamotors.com, (built by lotus UK, but no mention in the ignorant UK motoring press)
plus £0 UK road tax, free parking in cities like westminster, re-fuel at home or work ...
why don't car makers sell them
see www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com
2007-03-21 02:29:10 · answer #3 · answered by fred 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes because it all runs off your battery which is recharged by the alternator that gets the power from your engine. Which obviously runs on petrol.
2007-03-20 09:51:03 · answer #4 · answered by pathc22 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In a round about sort of way yes, because the car needs to be running to charge the battery. But all of it would run of the battery.
2007-03-20 09:51:23 · answer #5 · answered by Janie B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only thing you can use without counting is the heating:
the heat is provided by the heat in excess produced by the motor and would otherwise be wasted by the radiator
2007-03-20 09:54:37 · answer #6 · answered by NLBNLB 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
absolute rubbish.i have a solar panel on my car that keeps my battery fully charged all the time.
2007-03-23 02:37:09 · answer #7 · answered by earl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup. Amps require power from somewhere and it isn't all off the battery.
2007-03-20 09:50:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Unless it's a diesel car.
2007-03-20 09:54:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
How very interesting!!
2007-03-20 09:51:19 · answer #10 · answered by Moofie's Mom 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋