[The_Victor]

An internal combustion engine peaks at ~30% efficiency. This is the result of a century of continuous improvement and trillions of dollars in research and development. The room for improvement that's left in combustion engines is minimal. Yet there I was, driving the first generation of a car that comfortably hit 85-90% efficiency!

Except that the generation of electricity is at best ~30% with the steam turbines used regardless of the heat source. Solar and wind have much lower efficiencies.

[thackney]

Except that the generation of electricity is at best ~30%

You beat me to it.

Solar and wind have much lower efficiencies.

Efficiency doesn't have the same meaning when the "fuel" is delivered every day for free. Capital cost are the real impact in those tech.

[polymuser]

Bummer. You dudes are, like, real buzzkills, ya know?

[Ozark Tom]

LWR nuclear runs cooler than coal fired, so 33% versus 38% for newer coal boiler with superheat steam. Gas turbine combined cycle currently score 59%.