Re: Odd Question

["PETER VANDERWAL" <peterv@peoplepc.com>]

> I have a somewhat odd question for all you EV Gurus out there. What
> is the energy efficiency of high output LEDs vs. Incandescent bulbs?
> i.e. What is the Lumen per Watt output of each? I was driving home
> from work a couple of months ago and saw a brand new luxury sedan in
> front of me, stopped at the light. I realized that it's rear lights
> were banks of LEDs instead of incandescent lights. I've also know
> that many postal trucks down here use the same setup. I was wondering
> if there is an energy advantage to these, or are they just more
> convenient due to lasting damn near forever? My thinking is this: If

>From what I've read LEDs are about 5 times as efficient as incandescent (Old
data, they might be even better now).  Other big advantages is that they
light up quicker which gives the people behind you a few tenths of a second
more warning that you've slammed on the brakes.

> there is an advantage, replacing turn indicators, reverse, tail and
> brake lights with LEDs would lower the drain on a DC/DC or accessory
> battery. I realize that headlights are the biggest single drain (of
> the essentials) but any little bit helps, especially if it is

I think if you're just trying to improve your range, it wouldn't be worth
it.  Considering the amount of current that indicators,etc. (not headlights)
draw, you'd probably only get an extra hundred feet at most.