Electric Cars

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Zero-emission vehicles are eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and fue-cell vehicles (FCVs) that have no tailpipe emissions of CO2 or other gases. Electric cars are basically that which have a high performance rechargable batteries for storing electrical energy (instead of gasoline fuel), and an electric motor which uses this stored energy to provide vehicle propulsion (instead of a internal combustion engine). An electric controller controls the motor. Moreover, having no internal combustion engine means silent operation. Whereas a combustion engine car – even those powered by hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel – can make use of around 20 percent of the energy that it consumes, a battery electric car like the Tesla Roadster is able to put more than 80 percent of the energy it consumes to use in moving the car down the road.

The difference between a 100% electric vehicle and a hybrid, is that the hybrid uses a a combo of electricity and gas. In a traditional hybrid, even the electricity is generated by the gas engine. With the electric, you do not drain the battery when you are not moving. Hybrids typically drive 40 to 60 miles on one gallon of gasoline.

Electrics are also low maintenance. They have fewer than a tenth as many parts as a gas car. Aside from the engine, the muffler, catalytic converter, tailpipe, gas tank, radiator, and clutch assembly is absent. Electric motors power the water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioner. An electric water heater provides heating. Moreover, most fluids associated with engines are eliminated, (motor oil, transmission fluid, etc). It will have brake fluid, coolant, and washer fluid, though. Except for the battery, brake pads and tires are the only replacements required.

Therefor, total ownership costs of an electric are projected to be equal to or lower than comparably equipped gas-powered cars.

Electric vehicles are less efficient in extremely hot or cold temperatures. This is probably due to the air conditioner's and heater's use of the batteries. Electrics tend to like hot climates better than cold ones. This is because batteries are chemical devices. Chemical reactions slow down in cold and speed up in heat. The lithium battery pack, when parked overnight in a 43 degree F garage and driving in 16 degree weather got a 40+ mile range … down from 60+ in summer type weather. Heating pads for the batteries for outdoor parking and/or a heated garage eliminates the problem if you need greater than 40 mile range. Crunching through inches of snow will reduce range. Aggressive driving also result in fewer miles. The driving range advertised is reduced with the aging of the battery, the use of lights, stereo, heating and a/c, and the number of people carried by the car.

Being battery powered means dependence on the electric grid. However, electricity production is 55% to 92% cleaner compared to using gas with the internal combustion engine, even with the use of coal of power plants and even with the high level of efficiency loss in power transmission. According to the World Resources Institute, EVs recharging from coal-fired plants will reduce CO2 emissions in the country from 17 to 22 percent. According to Drew Kodjak, a lawyer from NESCAUM, internal combustion engine vehicles pollute more over time while power plants tend to pollute less over time. Over the course of its lifetime, a gasoline car will spew out 60 times more carbon monoxide, 30 times more volatile organic compounds (VOC), and twice as much carbon dioxide as an electric power plant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that tailpipe emissions increase 25 percent for every 10,000 miles traveled by gasoline cars. As gasoline cars age, their engines, catalytic converters, and other emission control devices become less efficient. This deteriotation can increase emissions up to 90 percent. Moreover, with less than 12 cents per kilowatt hour (USA), it will cost about a dollar for electricity for driving an electric for 40 miles or less a day; the same cost as running a common household appliance. The Electric Power Resource Institute (EPRI) estimates that the US has the ability to support 50 million EVs without building any more power plants. Another study puts this number closer to 20 million.

As the charging infrastructure is still under development, a purchase of an electric comes with an installation of a home charging station. This weatherproof station usually require a a 220/240V 40 amp dedicated circuit connected to a breaker, costs around $2200. Often, the vehicle's charger is built into the car and only needs to be plugged to this station. You can charge your battery anytime, even if its not empty. Quick-charge stations available outside the home takes about 30 minutes to charge the battery to 80% capacity while the home station would require overnight charging. As a backup, your car may also be provided with a 110/120V charge cable that enables you to charge your car in case of emergency. However, this backup plan would take longer to charge, about 20 hours. A 220/240V cable would have to be used for regular charging with your home and commercial charging stations. With a converted electric vehicle, a normal, household, 120V AC outlet would do. The cost of a full charge would depend on your local electricity rates. The battery is also recharged directly by the electric motor whenever the break is applied. The driving range of a full charge depends on the unit you own. Nissan Leaf's is 100 miles or 160 km for the $2.75 full charge (at $0.11/kwh). The electric fuel costs cheaper than gasoline.

Battery types used differ from lead acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride and lithium-ion. The lithium-ion battery have an estimated lifespan of 5 to 10 years under "normal" use. Lithium-ion batteries can be charged even if not fully depleted while computer systems monitor the battery cells for proper operation. Moreover, owners can use the web to access the vehicle's current electric status, range, and fuel efficiency. Battery life is dependent on many factors including mileage, age, temperature extremes, and charge cycles. As it degrades slightly over time, lithium-ion battery is expected to maintain good driving performance for about 100,000 mile or five years, whichever comes first. Recyclability of the battery at its end of life is probable and being studied; batteries are the most highly recycled product according to www.electroauto.com. Tesla Motors even claims that its entire battery pack can be disposed in a landfill safely.

Like all electrical devices - toasters and washing machines included - electrics generates and uses electromagnetic fields. The car makes use of filtering and shielding technologies to ensure that it meets all legal requirements and minimizes these fields. There are no known risks from exposure to these fields according to Tesla Motors.

Car servicing is available only from electric cars technicians. You should know one, they maybe manufacturer accredited.