How Many Kilowatt-Hours of Electricity is Equivalent to One Liter of Gasoline?

[Max]

1L of gasoline can generate approximately 3 kWh of electricity when using a dedicated generator, while a car's generator can only produce about 0.23 kWh. If only considering the electricity charged into the battery, it's around 0.1 kWh, with the power generation cost being almost 100 times that of residential electricity. Below is relevant information about batteries: 1. Definition: A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, classified as a DC power source. 2. Function: Provides a strong starting current to the starter when starting the engine; assists the generator in supplying power to electrical equipment when the generator is overloaded; supplies power to electrical equipment when the engine is idling. 3. Lifespan: The typical lifespan of a battery is around two years.

[VonRosalie]

As a veteran driver who frequently drives gasoline-powered cars, I have to say that the energy in one liter of gasoline is roughly equivalent to 9.5 kWh of electricity. This is because one liter of gasoline contains 34.2 megajoules of energy, while one kWh of electricity is 3.6 megajoules—just a simple division. However, this figure is only theoretical. In actual driving, gasoline engines are incredibly inefficient, with only 20-30% efficiency, meaning they might convert just 2.5-3 kWh of useful energy. In contrast, the high-efficiency motors in electric vehicles can achieve over 80% efficiency. So, if you use the same amount of energy to generate electricity and power an electric car, it will go much farther than a gasoline car. Additionally, considering the volatility of fuel prices and the convenience of charging, buying an electric vehicle is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly—at least for urban commuting, it saves a lot of money and reduces emissions.

[JaydenDella]

During daily driving, I enjoy pondering these numbers. In my experience, one liter of gasoline can power a car for 10-15 kilometers, which roughly translates to about 9.5 kWh of electricity for an electric vehicle. An electric car can travel 6-8 kilometers per kWh, indicating that replacing gasoline-powered trips with electric power significantly improves efficiency. Actual driving conditions involve many variables like air conditioning load or hilly terrain, but overall, electric vehicles are more economical. Currently, electricity costs less than 1 yuan per kWh during off-peak hours, while gasoline has risen to 8 yuan per liter, leading to substantial long-term savings. Additionally, maintenance is simpler without frequent gas station visits, making it ideal for homemakers or office workers.

[GrantAnn]

From an environmental perspective, burning one liter of gasoline emits approximately 2.3 kilograms of CO2, equivalent to the energy of 9.5 kWh of electricity. If all this electricity comes from fossil fuel-powered grids, it would generate about 4.75 kilograms of CO2. However, the key issue is that gasoline engines are inefficient, resulting in higher actual emissions, while renewable energy generation significantly reduces carbon footprints. Therefore, I recommend prioritizing electric vehicles during the energy transition, as they utilize each kilowatt-hour of electricity more efficiently with less waste. Government policies encouraging new energy vehicle subsidies are also based on such calculations to promote sustainable development.