Driving on the Plateau: Naturally Aspirated or Turbocharged?

[Khloe]

Driving on the plateau can be done with either naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines, but at high altitudes, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines will be significantly affected in certain aspects. An engine is a heat engine that converts thermal energy into mechanical kinetic energy, and the oxidizer in the fuel must undergo a thermal reaction with the oxygen in the air to be converted into mechanical energy. In high-altitude areas, the oxygen content in the air is much lower than normal, reducing the engine's power output by 30% to 50%. In terms of fuel, due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitudes, the fuel evaporation rate is about 10% higher compared to low-altitude areas. This results in the engine receiving even less fuel, leading to poorer vehicle performance. Therefore, many drivers experience a feeling of engine "weakness" during their first self-drive trip to the plateau.