What a waste!

Efficiency is the name of the game, wherever energy is involved. Coal plants are on an average only 30 percent efficient. And when it comes to vehicles and the technology, internal combustion engine still only uses 15% of the energy it receives from oil.

About 17% is wasted in idling. Braking wastes 5.8%. Friction between wheels, bearings loses 4.2%, air resistance 2.6% and stereo, A/C and power windows use 2.2%.

Electric vehicles are about 90% efficient in their use of electricity, but if you live in a state that is largely coal-powered (then the electricity itself is inefficiently produced.

Solar power on the roof would seem to be the best option for powering an electric car. Any reason why this has not taken off?