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>> Doesn't higher torque directly lower fuel efficiency?

Short answer: No.

Longer answer: For a given flux density, torque is proportional to the rotor volume. To get higher efficiency usually requires adding material (copper) to the windings to lower electrical resistance, which may require a larger diameter motor.

Having said that, for a given motor design you are likely to get better range by accelerating at lower torque for a longer time as opposed to more exciting driving.

I never understood peoples enthusiasm for torque numbers. It all goes through gears and then gets divided by tire radius to get a forward force, and then gets divided by vehicle weight to get acceleration. Just give us the final acceleration in G's please. Similarly, power is important but power/weight is going to be more indicative of 0-60 time.



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