Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles, EVs, are environmentally- friendly and energy efficient alternatives to fuel vehicles. They operate on metal hydride batteries that are charged from an electric grid during off-peak hours at a lower cost or by a generator while away from the grid. This power can come from inexpensive renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, tidal, wave, and biomass. Most EVs hold about 25 kwh of power which is about two-thirds the amount of energy of a gallon of gasoline. The battery in an EV lasts about 140 miles before needing to be recharged. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to fully charge the battery using the current 4.2 KW charger.

The electric motor has maximum power at a standing start, which gives EVs great acceleration. The speed of most EVs is electronically limited to around 85 mph. The electric motor relies on regenerative braking to recharge the battery as the car is operating. When the accelerator is released, the motor becomes a generator and recaptures the energy of motion back into the battery. Energy used to go uphill is recovered on the way down. In fuel consuming vehicles, this energy is wasted by applying the brakes. EVs use no power when not in motion.

There are many EVs currently on the market such as: the GM EV1, Honda EV Plus, Ford Ranger EV, Ford Th!nk EV, and the Citi. Electric vehicles are gaining popularity due to elimination of pollution and cost efficiency. Without regenerative braking, the EVs would not be able to effectively operate to the extent necessary for marketing.

Links to Pictures of Electric Vehicles

Honda EV Plus
Picture 1 of the GM EV1
Picture 2 of the GM EV1
Ford Ranger EV
Force EV
Sparrow EV
Think EV

For More Information on Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles

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