ChatGTP explains the 6.67 fuel content factor...

The fuel-content factor of 6.67 for electric vehicles (EVs) is a part of the methodology used in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to compare the energy efficiency of electric vehicles with that of gasoline-powered vehicles. This factor is used in the calculation of miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), which is a measure that allows consumers to compare the energy efficiency of electric cars with traditional gas-powered cars on a familiar basis.

Here's a simplified explanation:

1. **Basic Concept**: The idea is to equate the energy content of gasoline to the electrical energy used by an electric vehicle. In the U.S., the energy content of gasoline is generally considered to be about 33.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per gallon.

2. **Fuel-Content Factor of 6.67**: This factor is essentially a conversion number. It means that 1 kWh of electricity is considered equivalent to 1/6.67 gallons of gasoline in terms of energy content. This is derived from the energy content of gasoline. Since 33.7 kWh is the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline, dividing this number (33.7 kWh/gallon) by 1 kWh gives you approximately 6.67.

3. **MPGe Calculation**: To calculate an EV's MPGe, the EPA divides the distance an EV can travel on a fully charged battery (in miles) by the energy content of the electricity (in kWh) used to charge the battery, and then multiplies this number by the fuel-content factor of 6.67. This provides a miles per gallon equivalent that can be compared to gasoline vehicles.

4. **Purpose**: The MPGe metric helps consumers understand how an electric vehicle's efficiency compares to a gasoline vehicle. Since most people are familiar with miles per gallon (MPG) for gasoline cars, MPGe provides a similar reference point for electric cars.

5. **Limitations**: This approach has some limitations. It doesn't account for variations in the source of electricity (like coal, natural gas, renewables, etc.), which can have different environmental impacts. Also, it doesn't consider the energy used in producing and transporting gasoline versus electricity.

In summary, the fuel-content factor of 6.67 is a part of a calculation method used to provide a common ground for comparing the energy efficiency of electric and gasoline vehicles, despite the inherent differences in how these vehicles use and store energy.

------ End ChatGPT --------

Bottom line is that that author of the WSJ Oped, misused the 6.67 multiplier and made up his own use for it. Not surprisingly, the WSJ published his bullshit anyway, without doing a simple check.