ETA versus Speed

摘要

Dear Reader, As lawmakers in Germany have come under increased pressure to introduce a 130 km/h speed limit, it has become increasingly difficult to deny the plausibility of arguments in favor of vehicle - based maximum speed limits that go beyond Volvo’s “reasonable” limit of 180-km/h. Such limits would, after all, help us to achieve our overarching goals of extended EV driving ranges and greater energy efficiency. The simple reason is that lower speeds save energy. Moreover, limiting top speeds would make it easier, especially in the case of EVs, to optimize powertrain and energy conversion efficiency. The term speed limit in this context refers to real, vehicle -based limits, and not to the widespread use of signs on our highways. While some may regard this as a form of socialist intervention, the question is whether we can afford not to do it and whether it really entails a loss of liberty.