NN> Sorry, I just realized I'd actually neglected something... an Otto NN> or NN> Diesel cycle engine is at best slightly less than 30% efficient NN> while an NN> electric drivetrain can achieve 90% or more. So divide my answer by NN> a NN> factor of three to get a real number.
NN> nate
NN> (oops, I hate when I do that, try to correct someone and then get my NN> answer wrong...)
You neglected the efficiency of the electrical power generating and transmission systems. While hydro power generation is very efficient the majority of power is generated thermally by burning some sort of fuel; be it coal, gas, or nuclear. Most thermal generating plants have efficiencies ranging from about 30% to 40%. If we factor in transmission line losses, we arrive at 27 to 35 % efficiency to deliver electric power to your residence. Then after we factor in the 90% efficiency of an electric vehicle we end up with an overall efficiency not much different to a gasoline powered vehicle.
Moreover, electric power tends to be more expensive than fossil fuels.
Cheers,
Indrek Aavisto