|
Underground
Future
Technology
Radio
Stations
Programming |
|
Identifying 10
Major Electric Vehicle (EV) Advantages over Internal Combustion
(ICE) vehicles
1) EV drive require little maintenance -
ICE drive train components requires attention throughout its
lifespan.
Replacing the
Engine/Transmission assembly and the supporting equipment from a ICE
vehicle eliminates the majority of components likely to fail as miles
and time goes by. In doing so, out goes things like belts, hoses
radiators, starters, alternators, engine/transmission sensors,
computers, gaskets, filters, oil, antifreeze, water pumps, emission
equipment, fluid changes, tune ups, muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust
pipe and hardware, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, filler neck, fuel
injection components, engine cooling fan, etc.
With the ICE removed, the vehicle's interior is not influenced by heat
generated from it's engine and exhaust. Also removed are the
possibilities of fluid leaks and the odors, mess, and expense related to
them.
Add to that the fact that over the years, your EV will not "wear
out" as a ICE does. Yes, with current battery technology
batteries will age, travel distance initially increases, then declines
near the end of their useful lifespan. As ICE vehicles age
problems crop up. Fluid leaks, increased emissions, reduced engine
performance, maintenance requirements just to keep the ICE from self destructing
and losing efficiency, all those trips to the gas station!
2) EV's are clean machines
EV critics may argue that EV's pollute, but there
are many arguments in favor of EV's being a clean technology. While this
discussion is geared to the vehicle itself, it should be stated that
electric produced via combustion methods are emission controlled at
their source.
That said, bear in mind, electric is sourced form a diverse array of
production methods. as time rolls by electric sources will only become
cleaner. in contrast, it is unlikely gas and diesel sources will differ
much from today's sources.
The efficiency of a EV
drive train does not deteriate over time. Since the vehicle does not
produce emissions, as it ages, the EV does not become a
"polluter" or a "leaker". Further, as EV
battery, motor, and components advance, they may easily be swapped into
an existing EV configuration. A new ICE vehicle sold will never get to
take advantage of an improvement in ICE technology. The car would just
be sold to someone else and replaced. The only reason to upgrade a
ICE is for performance. ICE is so refined, one would be hard pressed to
gain or require much additional performance from the typical new car.
3) EV's Give Back
EVs save you time. People that live in the country often
make special trips to the gas station, people living in the city need to
stop by the gas station along their way. EV drivers wake up each morning
to a fully charged vehicle, ready to provide dependable, efficient
travel. Whenever possible, and each evening, simply plug it in. No muss,
no fuss. It's such a privilege to plug in your car.
Your EV will "start" each morning. People that purchase
new vehicles expect dependability, many cannot afford a new car.
For those people, it's just a matter of time till something breaks.
Usually a engine related problem. And just hope you know a good
mechanic! It's going to cost you! Will it be fixed right? The technology
in modern cars is impressive, but when you bought it, you bought it.
Hope nothing goes wrong.
In a EV, The Electric motor is usually maintenance free for the life of
the vehicle. It costs much less than a replacement ICE. A electric motor
can be easy to replace. Maybe even under the shade tree. The EV
controller is a electronic device. Probably about as reliable as your
conventional TV, stereo, or your computer (hardware). Even for the
person on a budget, replacing all the batteries costs between
$800-$1,500. This does not happen one cold, rainy morning. You will know
well in advance before your batteries are worn out. A small 1 year
loan will get you a battery pack good for 2-10 years depending upon
driving and treatment. Further, a EV is a very durable product. Assuming
the body doesn't rust EV's don't wear out. They can be very simple and
if a component (Batteries-Controller-Motor) would fail, the replacement
will likely have advanced capabilities. Forget obsoleteness.
What if you leave your EV sit for a few years? Replace the batteries (if
not removed and used for something else or sold to another EV
driver) and your off. No bad gas, Antifreeze corrosion.
Locked up engines, questionable transmission, bad radiator, dried up
belts and hoses. EV's can be forgiving.
4) Buy one for the teenager
Kids need a car? think of the
advantages:
They won't go far. EV's won't take you to the far away big city. The
kids will know that and stay within it's limits.
You won't have to hand over the "twenties" when they claim to
need gas-what do they really do with your money?
EV's can be safe. Once the major auto manufactures or some company with resources
and engineering gets firmly behind EV manufacturing, EV safety will not
be in question.
Having a compact car with a
robust chassis and 1000 pounds of batteries planted within, It would
probably weight about as much as common SUV's. Put the EV against
a comparably sized ICE vehicle and the EV will have a big advantage in a
collision! Some say if ICE cars were proposed today, they would not be
built. 10 or more gallons of highly combustible gasoline (Diesel fuel is
safer, it's just their soot that will eventually get us) placed under
the vehicle. This fuel is then pumped under high pressure to a 200
degree power plant running at near boiling temperatures. Then there is
the gas station trips and the fuel delivery semi's. Don't do something
stupid at the gas station, you may be running for your life. Save the
kids!!!
Of course there are dangers with anything made. A modern, sealed
battery won't be a problem in a roll over. Even dumping a load of
battery acid probably wouldn't be all that serious. 10 gallons of
gasoline on the ground (or draining) could get very serious. I'd run for
the hills.
Wouldn't it be nice to give the kids a car
that would be completely reliable, ready to drive when needed. Requires
little or no maintenance, won't be hot rodded, get a ticket for loud
exhaust, peeling and squealing, broken down, overheated, out of oil, out
of gas, won't start. Sounds great! The boys may not like it, the girls
may love it! But even if not loved, a EV as a teenager's car would bring
back the fondest memories of travel without heartache, expense, and the
consequences of deadly speed and horsepower potential a overly
powerful ICE contains.
Again the kids may not like it, the parent should feel better.
5) Divorce yourself from Big Oil
Be in control of your life,
future and provide the path for future generations. Electric is
not a single source energy product. Electricity can be derived from Oil,
Natural Gas, Nuclear, Coal, wind, solar, and hydroelectric dams.
In the future new sources of electric may come on line (Fusion?).
Electric vehicles will be compatible with the future. You decide about gasoline
and diesel.
6) The future is Electric
Electric can be created, it is
the best renewable resource available.
Wood is renewable, but do you want to power your vehicle with wood?
Other energy sources are finite. Oil, Coal, Natural Gas, and Propane.
Sure ethanol, vegetable oil, maybe others can help, but they don't match
the efficency of electricity. Would you buy a gas powerered
computer, light bulb or television? Electric may not be the cheapest
solution for every application (such as heating your house in very cold
temperatures), but that could change. Also, electricity prices are very
stable. How about that for electric!
7) Use your EV as a power backup
8) The infrastructure is in place
9) EV's are modest
10) How about a Plug in Hybrid Gasoline/Battery Electric Vehicle
|
|