I’m not claiming that electric transmission is more efficient always because it isn’t. But as you say it is close.

In a scenario where a train drives at a constant speed forever, attaching the engine to the wheels directly is a clear winner.

However, with varying torque requirements, an ICE can’t always operate at maximum efficiency. They are especially bad at starting from a standstill. You can get a good overview of the concept from this wiki article. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_band

Startups on the other hand have people pursuing ideas that have been proven to not work. The better starups mostly just sell old innovations that do work.

We are comparing attaching a diesel engine via a gearbox to attaching it via generator and electric speed controller.

Electrically driven wheels can deliver just the right amount of power at over 95% efficiency. Direct ICE suffers because it cannot always run the engine in ideal conditions, reducing its efficiency.

We do this in locomotives but not in cars because cars need to be lightweight. Actually, nuclear is clearly the best vehicle propulsion, almost infinite range and high power. It is only used in ships due to its weight.

The tire thing is completely made up. Yes, they sell their premium tires but they are not necessary and do not contain electronics. https://www.tesla.com/support/tires

You are arguing a side rather than looking at facts.

You are correct that it is best to have a lightweight car if you have to have one. But an electric one does take over in environmental cost relative quickly and is cheaper in countries that don’t subsidize fossil fuels and tax emissions. In addition the air quality in cities improves.

Everything automatically updates if you use Linux…