Conservation of Petroleum Resources by the Use of Electric Cars

The thermal content of a typical grade of crude petroleum is used as the input energy and road load is used as the output energy. Efficiencies in refining, transportation, storage, and conversion to mechanical energy are considered, assuming in all cases the performance expected of equipment installed in the late 1970s. The conclusion is reached that electric propulsion is significantly more efficient than gasoline engine propulsion and can reduce the consumption of petroleum appreciably.