Prospective car buyers now have to consider the long term effects of owning a car due to the increasing price of gasoline. This is the reason why most people are very much open to the idea of using the other means of transportation that are available to them rather than driving their own car. That’s how expensive it is to maintain a gasoline-powered vehicle nowadays.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. As early as the 18th century, the concept of using vehicles that run on electricity has always been present and it was documented that sometime in between 1832 to 1839, the first electric-powered carriage was invented by Robert Anderson of Scotland. Since then, the world has witnessed the vast improvement of electric car technology. Automobile manufacturing companies have been constantly developing ways that are geared towards the advancement of the use of electric-powered vehicles.

Generally speaking, an Electric Vehicle or EV is a battery-operated vehicle that can be recharged. Other kinds of rechargeable electric vehicles can store electricity in ultra-capacitors or in a flywheel. There are even models that use both electric motors and another type of engine. They are what you call hybrid electric vehicles and are not considered as pure electric vehicles because they operate in a charge-sustaining mode meaning once the battery is discharged, the car automatically gets its power from the other source of energy.

It is true that buying an EV costs a bit higher as compared to purchasing a gasoline-powered car. There are even instances that a simple sedan that runs of electricity is more expensive than an all-power AUV that runs of diesel. This is one of the reasons why dealers of electric cars are having a hard time penetrating the market particularly those coming from third world countries.

But why buy if you can convert? This is where the electric car conversion comes in. Electric car conversion is the process of modifying your Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle or ICEV to an all-electric or plug-in EV. All you need is your car and you can start converting anytime you want.

There are many ways that you can do it. First option is to have others do it for you. Have your car’s manufacturing do all the work or hire a reliable company that specializes in electric car conversion. Either of the two will do.

Another option is for you to do it yourself. Read any material that has anything to do with electric car conversion. Ask around. I’m sure asking some people, here and there, won’t cost that much. Better yet, go online and buy your own guide to electric car conversion. I assure you. It will be worth it.

Ultimately, whatever option you choose when you finally decide to convert from a “fill it up” to a “plug it in” will depend on your financial capability. If you have the money, buy! If you don’t, convert! It’s that simple.

Ken Stevens knows how to turn YOUR vehicle into an electric car. Visit his electric car conversion website right now to find out exactly how to convert your car into an electric. Go there now –> Click Here To Get Your Own DIY Electric Car

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To do the electric car conversion, we have to get the electric conversion kit. These conversion kits can make a gasoline powered vehicles into an electric vehicles. There are two types of conversion kits in the market, the ones which replace the present mechanism and another is installed along with the present fuel system. An electric conversion is the modification of a conventional internal combustion engine driven vehicle to battery electric propulsion, creating a battery electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. Today, one can go for either hybrid electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Hybrid electric vehicles are those using both electric motors and other types of engines; whereas plug in hybrids electric vehicles are those vehicles with batteries that can be charged externally.

People have lots of misconceptions on electric car conversions. Some think that it will not only adversely affect their present car mechanisms, but also will reduce the pick up and speed of the cars. Both of these are baseless doubts in the minds of the people. One of the major advantages of electric car conversion is that not only they significantly reduce your fuel costs but also provide a totally pollution free driving experience. If you are installing a gas/electric car conversion kit, then you can get the benefits of both the fuels. So when you run out of gas, you can always rely on the battery power to take you to the next gas station or your destination.

The major disadvantage of completely electric vehicle is that you will only be able to drive about a hundred miles before the charge runs out. Also, it is a bit expensive to convert a conventional car to an electrical car. Other disadvantages of electric car are that, batteries have to be recharged every time, limits on driving distances and the lack of power. But without doubt, we can say that electric cars purely eco-friendly.

Clifton is a qualified mechanical engineer committed to finding alternative fuel sources that can be incorporated into everyday life. Alternative energy sources with reduced environmental effects will need to be discovered and used in order to generate the power requirements our lifestyle currently demands.

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Electric motors by design are much more efficient than Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). They achieve efficiencies of well over 90% compared to an average of 20% for ICE. This translates into greater economical incentive since electric motors average 6Km/Kwh (Kilometer per Kilowatt-hour of energy) compared to 2.5Km/Kwh for ICE running on petrol. Efficiency with ICE is a big problem as there is not much scope for improvement. You see, in physics the laws of thermodynamics come into play theoretically limiting the efficiency of these designs to about 40%.

Next is the fact that electric motors are able to deliver full torque at start up, that is at zero Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) which means you get much more power from the beginning itself. ICE however are different because they can only achieve their full torque within a certain range of RPM, which is why you have to shift gears when you’ve reached that optimal RPM range. Thus the Tesla roadster, a fully electric sports car can achieve 0-60mph in well under 4 seconds, and that’s with only about 250 horsepower (hp). For a similar performance with ICE cars, you would be looking at 500hp cars or more.

However the reason why you don’t see electric cars everywhere yet is because there are areas which have to be improved. Perhaps the greatest shortcoming of electric cars is its power source. Conventional ICE burn petrol which itself is very energy dense, meaning it contains a lot of energy, so to speak. As such the energy density of petrol is about 13Kwh/Kg (Kilowatt-hour per kilogram) or 8.9Kwh/L(Kilowatt-hour/Litre). Electric cars currently rely on lithium ion batteries with an energy density of 0.2Kwh/Kg with some of them even attaining 0.4Kwh/Kg. Still, however that is quite low.

All this translates into having to carry a heavy load of batteries so that these electric cars can have a reasonable range. The Tesla roadster for example recently managed to complete the 500km landmark on a single charge. With a 53Kwh battery pack which weighs almost a thousand pounds, that’s an efficiency of 9.5Km/Kwh!

The second problem with the battery technology is its charging time. On a home power outlet, a typical connection of 240 volts at 13 ampere (amp) would take over 17 hours to charge a 53Kwh battery pack. With its high power connector kit of 70amp though, this can fall down to 3 hours. Future models are expected to have a 45 minutes quick charge. A third problem is the life cycle of the batteries which have a limited charging cycle.

However you can expect these shortcomings to vanish in the future with investments in technologies such as lithium-air batteries with capacities of up to 5Kwh/Kg. Big companies such as IBM, Bosch and Panasonic are at the edge of the future battery technologies.

Convenience is another advantage when it comes to electric cars. In our society today, electricity is the universal form of energy. You can charge your car from so many outlets, at home, at charging stations, at work or even at the neighbors’ if you dare. No need to queue at petrol stations. The bonus is that electricity costs only 12 cents/Kwh so essentially you’re looking at a full charge for under $7. Compare that to filling up your fuel tank at about $40 or more.

Electric cars have zero emissions. They have no air intake or exhaust. It is true that the electricity used most likely comes from coal fired power plants but the problem is the way of generating electricity in general, which has other alternatives. So not only electric cars do not pollute the air, they also reduce noise pollution. They are so silent that some authorities are thinking of solutions to warn the visually impaired people who rely heavily on their hearing to move around.

A couple of weeks ago, I was watching a top gear episode where the presenters had taken their cars to the Andes and at that altitude engine performance dropped significantly since there was less oxygen in the air. I know it wouldn’t be fair if I mention such a situation as an advantage of the electric car, since realistically such situations rarely occur. But that surely points out that ICE need adequate levels of oxygen to function, electric cars don’t.

The technology of electric vehicles keeps on improving. For example, Michelin’s Active Wheel System, basically in wheel motors, are smaller electric motors found inside the wheels and each of them are able to generate power independently. This is true 4 x 4 power. They are relatively light about 42 Kg each eliminating the need for a heavy front engine, an empty space which can be use to improve safety for frontal impacts. The reduction in weight further increases safety in terms of braking distance.

Lastly with only a few moving parts with electric motors, maintenance is less of a problem since there is less wear and tear, not to mention clogs and fuel deposits that occur with typical ICE. Forget about those dreaded frequent oil changes. Forget about those black particles deposits under the bonnet.

There is a buzzing enthusiasm for electric vehicles not only from the consumer market but also from the manufacturers. The most successful car manufacturers know where the future lies, hence why Toyota’s best selling hybrid- Prius (over 2 million of them around) is making the headlines while General Motors have scheduled production of the Chevrolet Volt within a year from now. Nissan and Renault are expected to follow suit.

Analysts on the other hand estimate that by 2020 10% of all new sales will be electric doubling by 2030. However other experts such as Professor Kevin Morley, former Managing Director of Rover are more optimistic putting the market share of electric cars between 30-40% by 2020. I personally share his optimism, although to some people this figure might seem unrealistically high. So next time you see an electric car, just remember what you are actually looking at is simply a great piece of engineering and you can expect to see a lot of them in the near future.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amish_Poonyth

Most of us have read the headlines and ads: “Coming Soon….2010, 2011, 2012…” the Chevy Volt or the plug-in Prius, or the Chrysler and Jeep hybrids, or whatever. What do these all have in common? They are Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), which means that you can plug them in at night and run for as much as 40 miles without using a drop of gasoline.  How about the Ford Focus Electric car or the E-Mini Cooper? These are pure electrics that have an electric-only range of 100 mi. or more. But then you either need to stop for a few hours while they recharge or you need a special facility to quick charge them or change out the battery packs. Then there are Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). You know, the ones that look like glorified golf carts or oversize mailboxes, are limited to 25 or 35 MPH and have names like Zap or ZENN. They fill a narrow niche, but are still popular and available today from companies like Global Electric Motors (GEM) and Feel Good Cars.

And what about storage? Batteries are the main problem with electric cars, at present. To pack enough energy in a small, lightweight, stable package is the boon of many a developer, and has been since the days of Edison. But rest assured. There are hundreds, if not thousands of scientists, inventors and developers working on that problem as we speak. Trust me, it will not be long before we have cost-effective energy solutions that allow us to store an immense amount of energy in a small package. In many ways the technology exists in Lithium-Ion, Lithium-polymer, Nickel Metal Hydride, etc. But it takes mass production to get the costs down. Once again, the chicken-or-egg thing. The more electric cars built or converted, the lower the prices will be. The same goes for solar panels. As they become more efficient and less costly, we will see them more and more on the roofs of electric cars.

My opinion, the hybrid is a weaning device. It is not an alternative energy vehicle. We will grow out of them just as quickly as we grow out of toddler pants with the quick-change snaps. Today’s so-called hybrid electric vehicles run on gasoline. Period. Even plug-in hybrids are a phase-out product (albeit longer term). Once we get a taste of freedom from oil companies, we will never want to go back. Does that mean pure-electric is the answer? Maybe, but maybe not.

What about the Honda Civic CNG or the FCX/Clarity? Are these the future, or are they merely a crossover into the future? Until the laws change, the EPA is the roadblock to CNG and similar conversions. In any case, these still emit toxins into the air, granted, at a much lower rate than gasoline. Hydrogen power may be a smarter way to go. About all you emit when burning hydrogen is water vapor. But there is still a lot of development yet to be done in that area. Honda has made huge strides in development, but they are holding their cards close, maybe waiting to see what happens in the market first. But let’s talk about that for a minute… If you look closely at the integration of the fuel cell in the Honda Clarity, you’ll notice that it’s actually an electric car. The hydrogen-powered fuel-cell generates electricity, which powers the electric motor that drives the vehicle. That’s the beauty of electric – it is efficient and versatile. So is the electric car a passing fad? Not hardly. I predict that because electricity can be utilized so efficiently and can be easily obtained from renewable sources, the electric car industry will drive all other alternative fuels (so-to-speak). The electric motor could end up being the platform on which all other alternative fuels depend. Even now, you can hook up a bio-diesel powered generator to your electric car to extend it’s range.

Right now, electric cars show the most potential for longevity and integration into the future of the auto industry. They have been proven effective in pure, hybrid and cross-platform implementation. To convert your car to electric today is not just a fad, it’s an investment into the future. The electric conversion today could literally become the hydrogen car of tomorrow. I’ve decided electric is the way to go. Give it a try yourself and join hundreds of others who enjoy a smooth, efficient, peppy, zero-emissions ride. Go ahead and tackle that electric Porsche conversion you’ve been dreaming about.

Check out my web site for some ideas on where to start. Technical specialist, Do-it-yourself-er and writer, J.D. Kennedy offers down-to-earth reviews and suggestions for everyday alternative energy products, books and DIY guides at http://www.CleanEnergySolutionZ.com. New reviews are constantly being added, so check back regularly or subscribe.

If you want to get a jump start on converting your car, truck or SUV to electric, the most up-to-date EV conversion book was written by Gavin Shoebridge, the New Zealander who converted his own car from scratch with no prior experience and posted it on YouTube. You can read my EV book review, or if you are serious about moving forward, you can go ahead and try Electric Conversion Made Easy .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.D._Kennedy

They are becoming more popular because they have several advantages as compared to the traditional automobile. These advantages relate to some of the problems that the world faces nowadays like air pollution, steady decline in the supply of natural resources and the rising cost of living.

Some of the advantages that the electric car has over the conventional gas guzzlers are the following:

1. Acquisition
Electric cars are practically more inexpensive that conventional cars. The most significant factor in this is the parts. In electric cars, batteries are usually the most expensive component but these are only minor as compared to conventional cars. Also with an electric car conversion, car owners don’t need to buy a new one. All it takes is an old car, a few hundred dollars and a DIY electric car kit for anyone to build an electric car.

2. Fuel
The prices of petroleum products have been on the rise for the past years and this has been the main issue in conventional cars. Car owners can pay much less in one month if they are using electric cars as compared to gas – guzzling ones. Also electricity gives a better return on the owners’ money because almost all of it is used in running the car. On the other hand, conventional ones use only 20 % of the energy in every liter of gasoline. The rest is produced as waste which leads us to the next advantage.

3. By – products
Regular cars give off pollutants every time the run. These contribute to air pollution which is the leading cause of respiratory diseases, eye irritations and global warming. On the other hand, electric cars produce no emissions. That’s why they are termed as “Zero Emission Vehicles” or ZEVs. However, the power plants that produce electricity to power these cars are the ones that emit pollutants. Fortunately, it is only minor compared to the ones produced by all regular automobiles.

4. Efficiency
Electric cars can go fast because electric cars are logically lighter. This is due to the absence of some heavy parts which comprises internal- combustion powered ones. The absence of gears in some EVs also provides a smoother acceleration and a smoother braking. Electric cars use almost their energy so they can go for many miles before running out of charge. Also because of a phenomenon known as regenerative braking, some of the energy used in acceleration is recovered when an electric car stops.

Everyone is being encouraged to try electric cars. As is stated earlier, it’s easy to acquire so anyone can practically own one. This is why the idea of doing an electric car conversion is becoming more and more popular.

Want to convert your car into an electric vehicle right NOW? Just pick up a copy of the premium electric car guide. Bill is a writer for the premium electric car guide, and has years of experience with mechanics and cars. Pick up the guide now www.PremiumElectricCar.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Heffner

Petroleum prices have jumped during the last year and everybody is feeling the pain at the pump. Not a single soul is concerned about filling up the batteries of his next electric car with electricity. After all, you just plug the car into the next receptacle and there seem to be no appreciable costs.

Joe owns a Corvette, a high performance car manufactured by General Motors, which according to the car manufacturer drives 25 miles per gallon.

Joe’s monthly commute is 1000 miles, he drives very carefully, and actually achieves 25 MPG on his daily trip going to work and running errands. At $4.00 per gallon at the pump he is paying $160 for gasoline every month.

Joe is thinking about buying the Tesla, an electric sports car. He tried to find the cost of electricity for driving this car. He could not find any data anywhere. Joe knows that he must explain to his wife why he needs to save energy and money before buying the Tesla, a new, very fast electric sports car.

The Tesla will accelerate faster than his Corvette. There is no doubt that an electric vehicle can have a faster acceleration than a gasoline car. Electric motors and liquid fuel engines are just two different devices converting electric energy or petroleum fuel energy into mechanical energy. Electric motors can generate much higher torque at the wheels at much lower turning speeds.

In comparison, electric motors will have several shortcomings, too. They certainly will emit more pollutants and more carbon dioxide as long as coal is used for producing electric power. Overall energy efficiency of the electric car, from power plant to the road, is still worse than that of a modern automobile propelled by an advanced combustion engine.

The biggest drawback of electric cars is the small number of miles they can drive after a complete recharge. Additionally, the charging of an empty electric battery will take forever, high performance batteries are expensive, and will only have a limited life expectancy.

What about energy costs for driving an electric car compared to a gasoline powered car? Both vehicles will have to store energy. The electric car stores electric energy in its battery, the combustion engine powered car stores energy in the form of gasoline or diesel fuel in its fuel tank.

Now let us take a comparative look at the cost of storing and paying for enough electric energy or liquid fuel energy to drive 100 miles. Let us assume that both cars will have the same power requirements to drive 100 miles. In this respect the match-up between Tesla and Corvette is perfect. But how do we compare prices at the gas station with utility costs at the receptacle?

Energy contained in gasoline can be converted into mechanical energy only at the limited energy conversion efficiency of a typical heat engine. The Corvette engine will have an energy conversion efficiency of about 35%. (Fuel fired engines may eventually reach 50% peak energy conversion efficiency after decades of future advancements). Conversion efficiency of electric power from the receptacle into stored energy first and into mechanical energy later is much higher at about 85%.

The energy content of gasoline is 131 MJ/gallon (megajoule per gallon). For driving 100 miles the Corvette will burn four gallons of gasoline or 524 MJ/100 miles. Only 35% of the energy in gasoline or 183 MJ will be used to propel the Corvette. This is the mechanical energy transmitted to the rear wheels of the Corvette. Virtually the same amount of energy must be transferred to the wheels of the electric car, the Tesla. Both cars are very similar in size and driving characteristics.

However, the Tesla has to take a little more energy from the receptacle because the charging, storing, and discharging of electricity in the battery experiences energy losses. These losses are about 15% of the electric energy taken from the receptacle and will not be available at the wheels. The Tesla owner will, therefore, pay 1.15 times as much to get the same energy to the wheels as the Corvette or 211 MJ per 100 miles. Electric energy is priced in the form of dollar per kilowatt hour or $/kWh. The average price of electricity in the US is $0.09/kWh. The factor for converting energy measured in MJ to energy measured in kWh is 0.2778 kWh/MJ.

To drive 100 miles, the Tesla will consume 58.6 kWh of electricity at a cost of $5.28. The Corvette will consume 4 gallons of gasoline at a cost of $16. Now we know that the Tesla will save about $10 per 100 miles or $10,000 over 100,000 miles.

The Tesla will cost $100,000. The Corvette is priced from $50,000 to $75,000. Guess who gets the square deal with the roar of the engine as a free bonus.

Dr. Hemsath recently published the book: CLIMATE CHANGE – GOLD RUSH OR DISASTER? For 50 years he has worked as scientist, process engineer, Corporate Vice President of R&D, Company President, CEO, and Inventor. He holds more than 60 US Patents. He is working on a new book: “THE SOLUTION FOR ENDING GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE”. Go to http://www.thermalexpert.com

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“Green is in” … a lot of people have become environmentally-friendly these days. You can say that it has now become trendy and chic to travel in these “green” modes of transportation.

Pollution free … Because electric vehicles run on batteries and do not burn fossil fuels as their main system of propulsion, they provide the opportunity to reduce your personal environmental impact and improve local air quality.

Quiet … There’s nothing better than cruising down the streets and the only thing you hear is the wind blowing in the air. Electric motors are quiet and give you an entirely different feeling when riding. Many gas-powered personal vehicles are louder than lawn-mowers. Quiet electric vehicles seem to glide down the road with ease and are welcomed in most communities.

Whatever your reason may be for choosing to purchase an electric scooter, I have compiled a list that you may find helpful in narrowing down your choices. In no particular order, the top 10 electric scooters are:

1. Vectrix Maxi-Scooter VECTRIX is the acronym for: Vehicle, Electronic, Commuter, Transformation, Revolution, Innovation, X factor, and was started by a number of engineers. The big news here is the nickel metal hydride battery, because with any electric vehicle, it’s only as good as the battery inside. The V1 model ($11,000) is currently available in a two-wheeled scooter as opposed to the three-wheeled V3 model (which won’t be available until later this year and will be priced at $15,000). The V3 has two wheels mounted in the front for better handling and stability. Sophisticated design advancements of the sharp, striking Vectrix include a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag. A low center of gravity, stiff frame and even weight distribution provide superior handling. The Vectrix is virtually silent and highly efficient-a patented regenerative braking system redirects energy back into the Vectrix battery pack, which helps to extend its range by up to 12 percent. For consumers with urban commutes, Vectrix is both convenient and cost effective. The driver can stop and go with one hand by simply twisting the throttle back for acceleration and twisting it forward to slow down smoothly and safely. Fast acceleration and handling make it easy and safe to zip in and out of traffic. Plus, an onboard charger plugs in to any standard 110/220V electrical outlet to charge the battery pack in just two hours. Features of the Vectrix Maxi-Scooter include: – goes 0 to 50 mph in 6.8 seconds – top speed of 62 mph – range of 70 miles on a single charge We feel that the Vectrix electric scooter is the wave of the future and will revolutionize the electric scooter industry. Vectrix was named as one of MSN’s bikes of the year in 2007. Designed with looks in mind, the Vectrix is responsive, good-looking, reliable and fun to ride.
2. Go-Ped ESR 750 The Go-Ped ESR family consists of the following models: ESR 750, ESR 750EX and ESR 750H. The Go-Ped ESR750 simply is in a class of its own and no scooter in the market comes close to its build quality, power, performance and stylish design. Its durability, reliability and impeccable performance without compromising on any details makes it one fo the top electric scooters. Not to mention it is an environmentally friendly alternative mode of transportation as well. The ESR750 is the most cutting edge, reliable and versatile electric scooter in the market today. The Go-Ped ESR750 EX is equipped with larger sealed lead acid batteries, which deliver a range increase of more than 50% over the standard ESR750 stock range and duration. The ESR750EX will provide users with an impressive 12+ mile range in Economy mode – a top speed of 12 mph – and up to an 8 mile range in Turbo Mode, which allows users to reach a top speed of 20 mph. It is ideal for Electric enthusiasts and scooterists looking for an electric scooter with an excellent range. In addition to it’s unmatched power, reliability and performance, it is compact and easy to carry. The Go-Ped ESR750H Hoverboard electric scooter is based on the highly regarded and award winning GoPed ESR750EX , but incorporating the amazing Cantilevered Independent Dynamic Linkless Indespension (C.I.D.L.I.) suspension system featured on their highly successful off road products such as the Trail Ripper and Riot mini motorcycle. This two wheeled sensation will quietly, efficiently and effortlessly move riders of up to 400 lbs above the ground with the sensation as if they were magically levitating on a cloud. The ESR750H Hoverboard offers 2.7″ of suspension travel in the front and 3.5″ of suspension travel in the rear. This hover system is adjustable from “plush to firm” to accommodate and suit all rider preferences.
3. HCF 737 Pacelite The HCF 737 Pacelite Electric Scooter is a long-lived, well-built scooter. This is one of the few electric scooters that powers up quickly from a full stop, then can take on hills without hesitation. The HCF 737 Pacelite is a great commuter scooter, folding up for easy storage and transport. Given its speed, power, weight and reliability, both the beginner and experienced rider can appreciate its performance. It is a very light scooter – only 59 pounds with the battery, and will easily fit in the trunk of your car. Traveling at a top speed of 15mph, the HCF 737 Electric Scooter will go distances of up to 12 miles on a charge. Adjustable handlebars allow you to customize your ride for maximum comfort. And the removable seat and folding frame lets you take this electric scooter practically anywhere you want. This is one of the few electric scooters that offers full front and rear suspension for a smooth ride no matter what the terrain.
4. Zapino Electric Scooter ZAP is the acronym for: Zero Air Pollution and they recently introduced their new Zapino electric scooter. Not only economical and eco-friendly, the Zapino is powerful with an advanced 3000-watt brushless DC hub motor, perfect for city commuting. Able to reach speeds of 30 mph, the Zapino will be able to keep up with city traffic without contributing to city pollution. The rear wheel hub motor on the Zapino creates more room on board for additional batteries and performance. This creative drive system eliminates the need for belts or chains lowering it’s overall maintenance. It also delivers a more enjoyable ride because it is practically silent. It accelerates smoothly with no shifting and has no engine vibration – just good, eco-friendly clean fun. There is an optional upgrade, with Lithium batteries, that will boost the range up to a very respectable 65 miles from the 30 miles that come from the standard batteries.
5. Forsen Hummer The Forsen Hummer is the first compact scooter in the business to offer room for 2 riders. These scooters are made for older teens and adults who want reliable short-to-medium range transportation that is not limited by hills. The Forsen scooter is street legal and complies with USA DOT guidelines (headlight, brake light, and turn signals). The Forsen Hummer is a heavy duty electric scooter capable of traveling at 28-33 mph with a range of 25 miles for a 175-lb. rider. With it’s 1000-watt motor combined with 100-amp controller, this scooter really can handle two riders (total weight of 350 lbs.) with no problem. Range of 25 miles comes via a 24V/40Ah battery supply which is 3-4 times larger than most scooters. Easily handles most off road conditions. Features include full suspension, front disk brake, flat-proof tires, and a fast battery charger (4 hours or less).
6. eGo Cycle 2 LX The eGO LX is designed for daily commuters and errand runners who will be driving in moderate to heavy traffic. The LX is fully equipped for registration in any state and provides the same range and speed as the eGO Classic. In the GO FAST mode, top speed is 24 mph, electronically limited. Zero to 20 mph in less than 4 seconds. In the “GO FAR” mode, top speed is 17mph, and acceleration is smooth and simple. Using a single battery pack, range is 20-25 miles in the “GO FAR” mode and 15-20 miles in the “GO FAST” mode. The eGO Cycle climbs up hills with ease. It will climb a 15% grade at 18 mph with a 170lb rider. The heart and soul of the eGO is a tough DC motor designed specifically for the eGO Cycle. It’s powerful enough to pull heavy riders up big hills. The soft ride of the eGO cycle 2 is the result of a custom front dual spring suspension fork. The eGO Cycle LX uses a quiet belt drive transmission that requires no lubrication and is nearly silent.
7. Motorino XPi The Motorino XPi is the next generation bicycle/scooter model. Built on a motorcycle frame, it has motorcycle grade 3.5″ wide wheels which makes it very stable in any weather condition. With the pedals on, it is classified as a bicycle and does not need to be licensed or registered. If you take the pedals off the scooter, it becomes a LSM (low speed motorcycle) and you need to have it licensed and insured. Its motor is uniquely built with oversized rare earth magnets, which increases the torque and efficiency. You can feel this when you start – it accelerates for 5 seconds to 32km/h. The regenerative brake also returns more power in the battery when braking. Its hydraulic front suspension absorbs any vibration and makes the ride very smooth and comfortable.
8. Numo Cruiser LX Designed for electric enthusiasts and commuters, the Cruiser LX Electric Scooter is a new generation PEV (personal electric vehicle). The Numo Cruiser answers the faultss of today’s electric scooters and sets new standards for scooter performance. Most electric scooters today have two serious flaws: short range and poor hill climbing ability. The Cruiser LX has a maximum range of 30 miles and the motor controller enables the Cruiser LX to climb 20% grade hills! The Cruiser LX features adjustable rear suspension. You can adjust stiffness to suit your comfort level.
9. iZIP Fusion NuVinci CVP The iZIP Fusion NuVinci CVP Drive electric scooter delivers a totally unique riding experience with it’s incorporation of cutting-edge CVP (continuously variable planetary) technology. The IZIP Fusion NuVinci uses both the patented Currie Electro-Drive system and the NuVinci CVP, leveraging the benefits of both technologies by creating an automatic, multi-gear drive system that will enhance the performance, range and ability to handle hills and higher weights without stalling. The motor is from an Alloy Finned Hi-Torque DC Neodymium Magnet Motor which generates 1000W of power. The Fusion NuVinci has a maximum range of 25 miles. It features three 15Ah valve regulated, exceptional deep discharge recovery rechargeable batteries for a maximum speed of 15 mph.
10. EVT America Z-20 The EVT Z-20 scooter is powered by a 60-volt 2500-watt brushless hub motor that can zip you along at up to 45 miles per hour for between 40 and 50 miles. The result is a very impressive performance. The motor controller regulates and efficiently administers the electric power that is fed into the motor based on its performance needs and driver requirements. It regulates the speed and torque of the motor while monitoring its performance. The Z-20 is the ideal commuter vehicle to have. Features include: 10 inch wheels (rim) and 3.5 inch wide tires to provide traction and stability, front and rear disc brakes, double front and rear shock absorbers

If you are interested in purchasing an electric scooter or want to learn more about gas scooters, please visit us at 2-Kewl Scooters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnny_Mixx

The storage battery improved, firstly by Gaston Planté, a French physicist who invented the lead acid cell in 1859 and the first rechargeable battery. Then, in 1881, Camille Faure developed a more efficient and reliable battery which became so successful in the early electric cars. This discovery caused battery electric vehicles to flourish, with France and Great Britain being the first nations to support widespread development of electric vehicles.

Prior to 1900, battery electric vehicles held many speed and distance records, the most notable of which, was the breaking of the 100 km/h (60 mph) speed barrier. It was by Camille Jenatzy on April 29, 1899 in a rocket-shaped vehicle named Jamais Contente (Never Happy) which reached a top speed of 105.88 km/h (65.79 mph).

During the early 20th Century, battery electric vehicles outsold gasoline powered vehicles and were successfully sold as town cars to upper-class customers. Because of technological limitations, these cars were limited to a top speed of about 32 km/h (20 mph). The cars were marketed as “suitable vehicles for women drivers”. Electric vehicles did not need hand-cranking to start.

One of the downfalls of the battery electric vehicle was the introduction of the electric starter in 1913. It simplified the task of starting an internal combustion engine which was previously difficult and dangerous to start with the crank handle. Another was the mass-produced and relatively cheap Ford Model-T. Finally, the loss of Edisons direct current electric power transmission system. He was battling with George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla over their desire to introduce alternating current as the principal electricity distribution. Edison’s direct current was the load for electric motors.

Battery electric vehicles were limited to niche applications. Forklift trucks were battery electric vehicles when introduced in 1923. BEV golf carts which were used as neighborhood electric vehicles and were partially “street legal”. By the late 1930s, the electric automobile industry had disappeared until the invention of the point contact transistor in 1947 which started a new era of electric vehicle.

In 1959 the Henney Kilowatt was introduced and was the world’s first modern transistor-regulated electric car and the predecessor to the more recent battery electric vehicles such as General Motors EV1. Only 47 Henney Kilowatts were produced, 24 being sold as 1959 models and 8 as 1960 models. It is not clear what happened to the other 15 built but it could be possible that they were sold as 1961 or 1962 models. None of the 8 1960 models were sold to the public because of the high manufacturing costs, but were sold to the electric cooperatives who funded the project.

It is estimated that there are between four and eight Henney Kilowatt battery electric vehicles still in existence with at least two of the survivors still driven periodically.

Battery electric vehicles have had issues with high battery costs, with limited travel distances, with charging time and the lifespan of the battery, although advancements in battery technology has addressed many of those problems.

At the present time, controversy reigns over battery electric vehicles. Campaigners, (et al) for BEV’s are accusing three major US automobile manufacturers of deliberately sabotaging BEV efforts through several methods, for instance, failing to market, failing to produce appropriate vehicles, by failing to satisfy demand and using lease-only programs with prohibitions against end of lease purchase.

In their defense, the three major manufacturers they have responded that they only make what the public want and the current trend is that the public doesn’t want battery electric vehicles.

Although we have the technology to manufacture and provide BEVs, one of the biggest downfalls for the prolific production of BEVs is the extortionate cost of replacement batteries. In some cases the cost of replacement batteries can be more than the price of the whole vehicle, especially when buying used battery electric vehicles.

http://battery-electric-vehicles-site.com provides information on everything related to Battery Electric Vehicles. If you stop by our site you will get some education Battery Electric Vehicles. Be sure to check out our page on The History of Battery Electric Vehicles.

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The electric motor picks its power from the car’s batteries. It operates in the same way as the generator except that it provides movement instead of power for the car.

The type of motor you use in electric car will affect the price. The reason is, there are many kinds of motors depending on the preferences of the buyer. There are motors that provide high torque, others that provide high acceleration; others consume a lot of power and others that are just of superiorly long lasting quality. So depending on the choice of the buyer the electric car will be fitted with one kind of motor or the other.

One common electric car motor is the WarP Series DC motors. This type provides greater torque. It is by far the most common motor found in electric cars, especially mid priced ones.

Next comes the Advanced DC Series wound motor. It is mostly in black color and also quite common with mid sized electric cars.

Most of the motors you will find in large electric cars are the Permanent Magnet DC electric motors and they are considered the best quality. They are therefore expensive. The biggest advantage with them is, they are able to provide the motive power for large vehicles.

Phase AC induction motors are common type found in small electric cars. They have smaller motive power but very economical in battery power utilization.

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BEV – Battery electric vehicle, a vehicle which uses only batteries and one or more motors to provide the force that makes it go.

EV – Electric vehicle, any vehicle that uses electric power to provide some or all of its propulsive force.

FCEV – Fuel cell electric vehicle, an electric vehicle which uses a hydrogen fuel cell as its source of electric power.

HEV – Hybrid electric vehicle, a car or truck that uses both an ICE and an electric motor.

ICE – Internal combustion engine, the powerplant of choice for the dirty, inefficient vehicles of the 20th Century.

PHEV – Plug-in hybrid vehicle, a hybrid vehicle with a battery pack that can be charged from a wall socket.

Have you just developed an interest in electric vehicles? Are you looking to learn some EV fundamentals? You’ve come to the right place! Read on, and you will start your education on the wonders of EVs. In this article, I will introduce readers to some of the various different types of EVs and explaing some of the advantages and issues associated with each type. Note that this article is only an introduction. I will go into more depth on different aspects of the subject matter in future installments of the “EV Basics” series.

There are several different power trains available which use electric motors. The simplest of these vehicles is the battery electric vehicle or BEV. This is a pure electric vehicle which uses only a battery pack and an electric motor to store energy and create the power necessary to make the car or truck move. BEVs have been around for a long time. In 1835, Thomas Davenport built a railway operated by a small electric motor. In the early years of the 20th Century, BEVs competed quite successfully with ICE-powered vehicles. It was not until Henry Ford started building the Model T that gasoline-powered cars that BEVs faded from public view.

In the 1960s, BEVs began to make a comeback. Interest in electric vehicles has grown steadily since then as concerns about pollution and dependence on foreign oil have permeated mainstream consciousness. Currently, BEVs are being designed and built in a wide variety of styles and layouts, from electric scooters, to low-speed electric cars such as those produced by Zenn Motor Company, to high-power freeway burners such as the two-seat Tesla Roadster or the family-friendly, five-passenger eBox by AC Propulsion.

BEVs must face a few hurdles if they are to replace ICE-only cars as our primary method of transportation. Historically, they have had limited driving range, significantly less than the range of a gasoline-powered car. Additionally, BEV have generally taken several hours to recharge the battery pack. In a world in which people have gotten used to instant gratification, this poses a real problem. The good news is that many people are working on these issues, and dramatic improvements are being made in both range and recharging time. Current EV designs have achieved ranges of more than 300 miles and charging times have been brought down to two hours or less in some models charged with high-powered “smart” chargers.

In the 1990s, Honda and Toyota introduced the American driving public to the hybrid electric vehicle or HEV. These vehicles use both an ICE and an electric motor. There are different types of HEVs which layout the engine and the motor in either a parallel or a series configuration. In a series configuration, the ICE acts only as an electrical generator. In a parallel configuration the ICE again acts as a generator, but it also drives the vehicle’s wheels just as the engine would do in an ICE-only vehicle.

HEVs provide significant benefits over ICE-only cars in two distinct areas. Firstly, the electric motor allows engineers to operate the ICE more efficiently because an HEV can rely heavily on the electric motor at points in which the ICE would be operating very inefficiently. Secondly, the battery pack in an HEV can be used to recapture the energy used while braking. To accomplish this, engineers create regenerative braking systems which used the electrical resistance of a generator to slow the car down long before they mechanical brakes come into play. The energy from the generator is then stored in the battery pack for future use. In a car without regenerative braking, all this energy is wasted by creating heat and wearing down the brake pads.

HEVs also have some problems. Unlike BEVs, they require some gasoline or other liquid fuel to operate. Also, they are more complicated then either a BEV or an ICE-only vehicle because they require both types of drivetrain components under one hood. However, they eliminate the range and recharging issues associated with BEVs, so HEVs can be viewed as a good transition step to the vehicles of the future.

Recently, much attention has been paid to plug-in hybrids or PHEVs. In essence, a PHEV is an HEV with a larger battery pack, a plug which allows the battery pack to be charged from a wall socket, and a control system which allows the vehicle to be operated in electric-only mode. The wall-charging feature allows a PHEV to get some of its power from the utility grid (or from a local power source such as a photovoltaic array or wind turbine) and some of its power from gasoline. Recently, several companies and individuals have been working on creating plug-in versions of the Toyota Prius. These conversions allow the Prius to run in all-electric mode until it reaches roughly 35mph. They give varying traveling ranges in all-electric mode, depending on which type of batteries are used and how many extra batteries are installed.

While these plug-in Priuses are a good start, PHEVs as a genre have even more potential. General Motors recently introduced the Chevrolet Volt E-Flex concept car, a PHEV which can travel up to 40 miles in electric only mode. It has a large electric motor and a one liter, three cylinder ICE. PHEVs of the future could follow this trend even further, maximizing the electric elements of the drivetrain while reducing the ICE to a tiny power plant which gets used only as a last resort.

In the last few years, fuel cell electric vehicles or FCEVs have grabbed many headlines. These are electric vehicles which use a hydrogen fuel cell to provide power, eliminating the need for a battery pack. Proponents point out that hydrogen is the most abundant of the chemical elements and that the only gas emitted from an FCEV is steam made from pure water. Detractors point out that nearly all hydrogen currently available is made from natural gas, a petroleum product. Hydrogen is also difficult to store in quantities sufficient to give FCEVs adequate range and it can present safety hazards when pressurized in tanks. Finally, FCEVs currently require complex, bulky support systems which take up excessive space and result in power delivery systems which are far less efficient than those present in BEVs.

Fuel cells have some potential to become part of the overall energy scenario in the future. However, many feel that FCEVs have been used primarily as a distraction and a stalling device. Companies and politicians keep telling us, “We’ll have FCEVs in the near future, but until then keep driving your Hummers!” These tactics keep people from demanding BEVs as soon as possible. As one saying puts it, “Practical, viable fuel cells are ten to twenty years away, and they always will be.”

One other type of electric vehicle is the human-assist hybrid. The most common example of this vehicle type is the electric bicycle. These are commonly-available, inexpensive, and they give people the health benefits associated with exercise while providing an additional boost when needed. Legally, they must be limited to 20 mph in electric assist mode, and the electric-only range of electric bikes now available is almost always less than twenty miles.

However, readers should ponder the fact that a small, aerodynamic vehicle can cruise at 65 mph on a flat road while using only five horsepower. Imagine the roads covered with small, efficient vehicles that use tiny electric motors and human power to achieve freeway speeds without putting a significant burden on the utility grid. While no major corporations are working on vehicles like this, small groups of dedicated individuals are working to make this type of vehicle available to the general public. These low-power vehicles could become the ultimate transportation solution for an energy-conscious society.

So there you have it! You now have enough information to join EV-related conversations at your next social gathering. You can talk about the different types of EVs, letting people know what is available now and what is coming in the near future. If you are still curious for more details on the benefits of electric vehicles and the advances which are being made in the field, please see the other articles in this “EV Basics” series.

Forbes Bagatelle-Black
West Coast Contributing Editor, EVWorld.com
http://www.evworld.com

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