TreeHugger.com: Electric Cars and Vehicles: Who Killed 'Em, New Batteries and More
Anonymous
· 2 years ago
Don't forget the pre WWI EVs that had a higher market share than ICEs did for a while.
Stiven
· 2 years ago
now that we know who killed the electric car...who will be the one to revive it?
Ayomide
· 2 years ago
I want that Tesla Roadster. Sure, it's expensive, but it's sooo pretty. but then again, i know nothing about cars, so I'm not even sure if it is actually that great. But dang, it'd look shiny in my driveway...or anywhere else for that matter.
Jim Robb
· 2 years ago
As president of the Central Virginia Electric Auto Association (a chapter of the EAA) in the mid 1990's, I led a group of interested individuals through the process of converting "real" cars to electric drive. There are success and failure stories in any category of vehicles, even ICE (internal combustion engine) type cars, and electric cars are no exception. My own '73 bug could do only about 20 mile per charge but had the benefit of working defrost, which it's ICE counterparts never had. One member's converted Mercury Lynx was driven daily at highway speeds 60 miles.
The concept that we should wait for some wizbang electric that will do everything our ICE car could do is the wrong argument. What we should be looking at is why our ICE cars are engineered to drive well over 100 miles per hour (though we never do OR are allowed to) and have the torque equivalent of a herd of horses! We can survive with much less power-waste and capacity in our vehicles without loss of "comfort", "freedom", "luxury" or any of the other concepts sold to us by the auto industry.
Challenge: Write down your Miles-per-Day figures for the next week. If the daily total is less than 50, you can purchase an EV today, or have an ICE car converted.
Don't let Detroit's concept of what a car "is" box your thinking. Be a little more independent.
Oh, and for a nice explanation of American transportaion, try reading this:
Don't forget the totally cool Myers Motors NmG. Formerly the Sparrow, it is a 3 wheeler that is very affordable, and fills the commuter niche.
Mark
· 2 years ago
The fact that EV's in the 1990's California never sold well is not surprising. GM never sold one that I know of. Most manufacturers only leased EV's. I for one want to buy a car, not rent (lease) one for an extended period of time. At the end of the lease period, you're forced to go bargain your way through that same dealership just to either give the vehicle back or buy it.
Lakshmi
· 2 years ago
Hi Collin,
I enjoyed reading your interesting post on electric vehicles. Just wanted to add that in India, we have the Maini Group which makes the Reva - a sleek, light weight car.
It's available in three models:
REVA Standard
REVA AC and
REVA Classe
Christened G-Wiz in UK, Reva has been voted the most ethical car by Ethical Consumer in 2005. The site has a section that makes you really curious. It's titled, "Make your own Reva". May be readers would like to find out more about it at www.revaindia.com.<br />
J.E.De.Andrado
· 2 years ago
Advanced to charge battery on the moving wheel. Extra unit to be install in the the front wheel.From power star 2 wheelers.
Zac
· 2 years ago
There are a large number of common people who can only afford one car. If you have the money to own one for comuting and another to drive longer distances then you seem to be set. However, if I have to stop every 200 miles to charge my car for two hours instead of 5 minutes to fill the tank every 300 miles, I might as well own a horse.
It is of interest that the car was seen as a way to reduce polution from horses. Their polution particulates are rather large and smelly.
David
· 2 years ago
I want to know if there is any groups, attorneys, or organizations to turn to regarding my local city trying to tell me that LSV's (Low Speed Vehicles) are ILLEGAL on public streets when there IS a state law defing and permitting the use, BUT not LOCAL law even forbidding it. I seriously need some support an a matter that the local City Attorney's interruptation of the law is completily unjust and NOT helping our environment. He just doesn't want to be wrong and have to change his ruling.
Ron Kolb
· 2 years ago
As I recall, in the 1990's poster Jim Robb was a pioneer who drove an electiic car from Richmond to Washington D.C., and in the Cherry Blossom parade. That converted vehicle was usually charged under a carport covered with solar panels. I've experienced enough EV transportation in the past 15 years to agree with him. The "problem" with electric cars is not an electrical, chemical or mechanical engineering problem. It is a social engineering problem. Home built electrics could satisfy most peoples daily driving needs. And for occasional long trips we have mass transit and rental cars. Thanks goodness you don't have to build your own anymore.
Treehugger's post on electric vehicles says they are "attractive to those concerned with using less oil and causing fewer greenhouse gas emissions." But how do we think those batteries are going to be charged? If an electric car owner is equipped with solar electric panels and charges his/her car this way, then the electric car is a great solution. But most of us will use electricity from the power company, which produces it primarily by burning oil (or other carbon-based fuel), thus creating greenhouse emissions. Not only that, but about 2/3 of the energy obtained from burning that carbon-based fuel is then lost due to the inefficiencies of converting it to electricity and transmitting the electricity to our homes. This information should be right up front in your post, so that we can make truly informed decisions about greener transportation.
Anonymous
· 1 year ago
dude that car sucks
Rick Mercer
· 1 year ago
Having the ability to charge electric cars with clean energy is an important consideration.
So lets create a clean energy grid. Here's a proposal to convert the U.S. energy grid to solar.
The plan above stresses concentrating PV power plants, while it appears that solar thermal plants are further along in development and are much more low tech. Also, the proposal empahasizes using cadmium teluride solar cells, which makes me think that First Solar was on the panel that created it. Some have raised questions about the availability of teluride and the fact that cadmium is toxic.
I see a more diverse mix of energy than this plan calls for, with more distributed energy. However, we need more grid capacity and doing something very similar to their plan would go a long way toward a clean energy future.
Here's what one solar thermal company says.
"Solar thermal power plants such as Ausra's generate electricity by driving steam turbines with sunshine. Ausra's solar concentrators boil water with focused sunlight, and produce electricity at prices directly competitive with gas- and coal-fired electric power."
""Solar is one the most land-efficient sources of clean power we have, using a fraction of the area needed by hydro or wind projects of comparable output. All of America's needs for electric power – the entire US grid, night and day – can be generated with Ausra's current technology using a square parcel of land 92 miles on a side. For comparison, this is less than 1% of America's deserts, less land than currently in use in the U.S. for coal mines."
Jenna
· 1 year ago
Electric cars are the way to go! Zap has several car models to chose from, scooters too! Check out the Xebra sedan in Zebra print! Awesome, stay green. www.zapworld.com</p>
fish
· 1 year ago
how about this.
make these electric motors cheep enough so that any body can own one.
i my self, i would love one, the sun is a free sorce of energy
we take fossel fuels fo granted.
come 20-40 years. we will have, to relie on a alternative sorce of energy
so why cant we, start to do it now? 4 our great grand childrens sake.
we can use water to make energy. so we can use it to take us from A-B!
so why are we stil messing around with fosell fuels then?
matt
· 1 year ago
<p>http://www.lionev.com for conversion of Ford Rangers (200 mile range) and SUV Escapes (120 mile range) for around 40grand. More money will give you more battery range...
I like the xaps, but if I gotta spend $15K for a very limited and weird shaped car, I would rather go the 40K route and get a truck that looks like everyone else's!
courtney
· 1 year ago
like these cars
John Taylor
· 1 year ago
To make Electric Cars viable, we need to have a standard 230v plug (such as the one Tesla uses) made available for charging ALL electric cars. These need installed in ALL major shopping plazas parking areas so that people can recharge on the go when needed, and have an interesting time while doing so.
The Electric Car, and greening of our electric grids will reduce pollution on the planet and make life better and healthier for all.
Anonymous
· 1 year ago
i seen that exact small car when i was in France 3 years ago so technically ya'll are late in selling this car seen it and drove it and i don't like it but it can fit anywhere.
Hashim I. Filali
· 1 year ago
It is a good site that contain most of these future cars.
Ray Greenman
· 1 year ago
I have come up with an invention to decrease the number of batteries needed in an electric vehicle and increase the mileage between charges and I have been trying to research grant opportunities available to develop my idea. My problem is that I have no way of knowing who to go to and apply for a grant since it seems that the internet is full of people trying to scam you at every turn. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Brian
· 1 year ago
in response to....
"Will electric cars be the next revolution in transportation? Only time will tell."
what i have to say is not intended to insult or bring down any ideas posted or written on this site.
We DON'T have to wait! Why wait on time? "time" does not make the laws or the " next generation of electric cars" or any other environmentally friendly car. it's people like you and i, and anyone who understands that people as a whole are the ones who in the end make the decisions. It's our responsibility to make changes not necessarily the big manufacturers or oil company. those companies didn't get rich over night, WE made them rich over the years, and WE are the ones who continue to make them rich. I do understand and agree with the points and ideas of this site. But i guess what I'm trying to say is, we need to change some of the ways we are looking at the situation. Saying things as little as "only time will tell" does not improve the development of our ideas or help to bring back the "EV1". It makes us think the goal is out of our own hands reach.... and IT'S NOT.
Their is no information on fuel cell cars technology.
brian
· 1 year ago
reply to- The future of fual is water!! Watch this video"John"
no its not. it is an alternative to gas fuel that keeps you hooked on the pump. but it's not even close to being the fuel of the future, as in the "choice" of fuel or "better" fuel choice. what about air fuel? engines that run on air pressure. this is something that runs off of what? air, compressed air, and if its built with it's own built in compressor you can drive almost free of paying any kinda fuel cost. but your probably are right, water just might be the fuel of the future. electricity is not the fuel of the "future" because it was the fuel of the past, and it's still the better fuel for the future. hey john have you taken a look at the rivers and lake and oceans lately? if you have not then i think you should. because of the effects of global warming caused by gas emission. well I'm sure you know all about it so i wont go into it. but the last thing we need is someone pumping hundred gallons more of water out of the oceans and lakes to fuel cars. imagine what would happen then,. but why not use water to make power for power stations so it can generate electric power that could not only be used to power your house but your car as well. it's just like a cell phone only a few hundred times bigger:)
C
· 1 year ago
August 19, 2007 8:03 Zac says:
"However, if I have to stop every 200 miles to charge my car for two hours instead of 5 minutes to fill the tank every 300 miles, I might as well own a horse".
The information above is an extract from a post on August 19, 2007.
The point refers to what would be possible with Lithium Ion Polymer batteries.
Whilst it appears to make an interesting argument iftfails to mention that with today's Lithium Ion NANO batteries you could charge your car up in 5 minutes the same as to full up the tank.
Anonymous
· 1 year ago
Since seeing Trevor Baylis' wind up radio, I always wondered if his concept could be adapted to an electric vehicle in such a way that while the vehicle was in motion, one of the wheels could be used to wind-up a generator big enough to charge a small second set of batteries ready to be used when the first set were discharged then first set recharged while second set ran the car. Thus increasing vehicle range almost double.
Battery technology seems to be advancing enough to make such a concept possible with quicker charging batteries. What do you think. Could it work? Have I just given away a millon dollar idea?
Maybe it's already been thought of, I don't know.
Robert
· 1 year ago
Man, this was an awesome article and its so true.
Green Vehicle's are crazy! I found this site that tells you how to make your gas car run on water!
America needs to stay FOCUSED, AWARE and EDUCATED.
History reminds us that every time oil prices peak and the North American market/consumers start to discuss alternative energy sources, the oil exporting countries start to trim down their prices. History also tells us that the oil exporting nations have been very successful in the past and in fact, we have lost our enthusiasm and dropped many of our alternative energy initiatives after oil prices are reduced.
WE need to stay focused this time.
1) Al Gore and his energy initiative is on course.
2) T. Boone Pickens and his wind power initiative is on course.
3) BG Automotive Group’s mass production electric vehicle program is on
course.
4) Richard Branson from the UK is on course.
5) The Gas Reduction Act of 2008 might not be the most environmentally sound
solution, but yet it shows that Congress has finally realized that we have an
energy crisis (again), and a real threat to our national security.
The continued dependence on foreign oil is a threat to our long term democratic values. We must become an energy independent nation, and with this, some sacrifices will have to be made by the American consumer.
Be aware!!
We are exporting approximately USD $700 Billion dollars per year of U.S. currency. The majority of this money is being transferred to the Trillion dollar “sovereign wealth funds”. This is USD $700 Billion not being spent on America’s educational system, health care and security.
The “sovereign wealth funds” are directly buying major interests (large blocks of stock) in U.S. companies, including most of the major banks. Also, billions of dollars of “sovereign wealth fund” money is being invested in our hedge funds, private equity firms, and the investment banking industry. A few of these firms are directly and indirectly investing large sums of money into our “gas combustion” automobile industry. Do we want our auto industry in the direct or indirect control of the firms that are supplying us oil? This is an interesting topic for an investigative reporter.
There are automotive consulting companies in Michigan (heart of our auto industry), lobbying States and our Federal Government, NOT to subsidize the Electric Vehicle industry. The latter seems to be contradictory to what the American public would like to see from our automobile industry. After the billions (excess of $20 billion) the automotive companies have lost in the past 6 months producing gas combustion vehicles, you would think they too would change course. Changing course is not adding 2-4 miles per gallon w/Hybrids. Drastic measures in our auto industry must take place and NOW!
Do not let the temporary reduction in oil prices push us off course….AGAIN.
Read, Read, Read- Stay on top of the issues. Let’s not be fooled again.
STAY FOCUSED, AWARE and EDUCATED!
Andre Canelhas
· 1 year ago
Why does America focus so much on their internal "issues", while in the the real world, excessive consumption of natural resources, including those to make cars, is killing children everyday? Shouldn't America start talking about Electric Mass Transportation?
Or other more efficient way of usage of energy to transport people?
It seems that Americans are trying to perpetuate a model invented almost 100 years ago. Sorry but it can no longer be sustainable.
Nasik Elahi
· 1 year ago
We can reduce the amount of plug-in electricity to an appreciable degree by harnessing the wind energy around a moving vehicle to produce electricity. With the technology we have developed, once an electrical vehicle starts rolling it can produce a major portion of the electric needs from wind power. It can greatly extend the range of the standard battery-based vehicles. We can produce electric cars that place less demand on the envirnonment and move it from concept to commercial reality.
Another electric vehicle is the vectrix electric bike.
It's beautiful, it's fast, and you can go around town and up to highway speeds. I want one :)
http://www.vectrix.com/
Bill
· 1 year ago
The Aptera Typ1 is scheduled to begin deliveries in December. Pure electric, 3-wheeler, 2-passenger, 120 miles range, up to 85 mph for about $27,000.
The PHEV in 2009/2010 at $30,000 at 300 mpg.
Aptera.com
DGate
· 1 year ago
Anonymous says:
Charge a second set of batteries off the motion created by the first set.....I am afraid its not that simple,by charging the second set you are putting extra load on the drive the first set of batteries is powering...you will never put in as much energy as is being removed by moving the vehicle and charging at the same time so in a very short time both packs would be dead.
.
There is no free lunch to be had here.
dan
· 1 year ago
One thing that isn't mentioned in articles like this is a comparative cost to operate. With my electric bill last month reaching $400.00, a 25% increase over this time last year...is electric really a cost effective way to go? I mean sure electric cars are a treehuggers dream....but for the rest of us, we are wanting to know things like... the amount of kwh's used in charging an electric car the size of a Toyota camry...that will get 200 miles per charge.
Simply taking the profits from the oil companies and giving it to the electric companies...accomplishes what?... as it applies to a family's budget?
Andre Canelhas
· 1 year ago
Dear all,
About electricity:
1. It is difficult and costly to store;
2. Renewable energy is most likely to be most efficiently converted into electric energy;
3. There is an infra-structure already built up to send electricity where we need it.;
4. It is efficiently produced in large scale;
Energy in all forms will get more expensive in the coming 10 - 20 years.
Today we waste an enormous amount of energy, because we burn a very valuable asset in an individual car.
Are we mature enough to start using transport systems based on electric traction for moving a large number of people?
Plug-In Hybrids
· 1 year ago
Man, I just love the idea of electric cars.
My vision is the care that can go 250-300 mile on one charge - this is possible with super-capacitors, which unlike regular batteries, charge in less than 5 minutes, so you can actually set up a network of charging stations. This electric car should also have a solar roof and hood, so it charges while it is parked and you are at work.
Third, it should be a Hybrid. Yes, I know... the emissions and CO2 and NOX... but the car should be practical, and should not limit you to certain areas of California as was the case with the original electric car.
Hopefully the Prius Plug-in Generation two will come with super capacitors unlike the current one that can only go 15 miles n battery... Still, i'll get one as soon as they become commercially available and reasonable.... you can always install more batteries in it :)
söve
· 1 year ago
thanks.
Truck
· 1 year ago
It's very beautiful and wonderful. I must to get one, but the price of course very expensive
I have had an electric scooter for six months now and use it most days. I have not seen a perceptible increase in the monthly electricity bill in that duration, so to me, it is like operating the vehicle practically free of cost. Also since the motor has practically no moving parts, I have had no maintenance costs in this duration that i have owned the EV. So if someone asked me, I would wholly recommend the whole EV experience unreservedly.
Gun Smoke
· 1 year ago
When they are around $6-$8,000, 2 seater that will hold a 350lb man, not have to worry about $5000 to replace the batteries in 5yrs or the thing exploding, shorting out and frying me or repair costs that are astronomical, I might consider it. Drive 20mi ea day. Friend told me of a high voltage electric capacitor they are developing that can replace the battery thing altogether. Mount 1 in home to charge it in 5 min. or regular 230vlt in 5hrs.
It would prevent pwr spikes (think CA) and help regulate the home pwr. Pwr stations could be cheaply added to gas locations. They're working on the longivity of the plates that make it last longer, so keep your fingers crossed.
kris burke
· 11 months ago
I like the thought of electric cars. But they just do not have the same power as my V8.
Will
· 10 months ago
Comment to Brian regarding pumping water to fuel cars...
It takes 40,000 gallons of water to produce an internal combustion engined car.
So, it is already being pumped, at present.
It is much less costly to produce an electric vehicle in the quantities that an internal combustion car is produced.
Roger
· 10 months ago
I like the comment about the car replacing the horse, as this polution was the reason for cities replacing the 12 gallons per day of pee from each of the horses, not to mention the solids. All flowing into the bay, all day every day.
You will never get something for nothing, if we all were issued a Tesla tomorrow we would be clamoring for a new Nuke power plant here in Western Caifornia to power up all the cars while we are at work.
Is $100K for a car one cannot drive tomorrow to Phoenix from San Francisco a real option or a "Look at me im saving the planet toy"?
Retrofitting what we have is the cleanest solution, but it puts the burdon on ourselves, most of us are not up for that challange.
Anonymous
· 8 months ago
June 22, 2008 comment:
"Since seeing Trevor Baylis' wind up radio, I always wondered if his concept could be adapted to an electric vehicle in such a way that while the vehicle was in motion, one of the wheels could be used to wind-up a generator big enough to charge a small second set of batteries ready to be used when the first set were discharged then first set recharged while second set ran the car. Thus increasing vehicle range almost double."
Keep in mind that it takes power to turn a generator. The electric motor powering the car's motion would need more electricity to power the generator. Basically it seems like you are proposing a perpetual motion machine. Remember that in every conversion of energy there is a loss of usable energy.
Neil
· 8 months ago
July 29, 2008 Andre Canelhas said:
"We can reduce the amount of plug-in electricity to an appreciable degree by harnessing the wind energy around a moving vehicle to produce electricity. With the technology we have developed, once an electrical vehicle starts rolling it can produce a major portion of the electric needs from wind power. It can greatly extend the range of the standard battery-based vehicles. We can produce electric cars that place less demand on the envirnonment and move it from concept to commercial reality."
The car is going to use more energy to power the generator you propose. It will cause more resistance.
Neil
· 8 months ago
June 22, 2008 comment:
"Since seeing Trevor Baylis' wind up radio, I always wondered if his concept could be adapted to an electric vehicle in such a way that while the vehicle was in motion, one of the wheels could be used to wind-up a generator big enough to charge a small second set of batteries ready to be used when the first set were discharged then first set recharged while second set ran the car. Thus increasing vehicle range almost double."
Keep in mind that it takes power to turn a generator. The electric motor powering the car's motion would need more electricity to power the generator. Basically it seems like you are proposing a perpetual motion machine. Remember that in every conversion of energy there is a loss of usable energy.
Alexandra
· 8 months ago
Remember that each new product has some associated emissions in production. Even if you can't or don't want to buy a new car, there are ways of driving and using your current car in a more "green" fashion. You can slow down a bit, make sure the tires are full of air, carpool, or get out and walk instead of driving through. This is really interesting and fun! www.carbonrally.com<br />
travis
· 7 months ago
There is an italian car engineer and designer, from my knowlage on national geografic channel, that designed an engine that has most of the same internal components mechanically. But instead of gas or diesel or electric, witch all at some point create pollution in either production and/or use, it uses compressed air. Works exactly the same as diesel, except using ratios of compressed air to push the piston down, instead of gas or diesel air/fuel ratios. What is cool about this is it creates no emissions to produce, nor use!!!! For the car enthusiasts, it sounds like a regular petrol/gas engine, less parts and gadgets for car assembly, lightweight designs, and more space used for cabin/luggage use. They store the compressed air in similar tanks used to blow up balloons! Ha, kinda funny actually. They had even took a step further by implicating safety into carrying around that compressed air. the tanks are made of carbon fiber. So if the unspeakable happens, your car will not become a bomb! Carbon fiber, under intense pressure or collision, will crack and release the air. Each vehicle is hand built, with materials such as fiberglass ect. One the smartest and more simple ways of greener transportation.
Anonymous
· 7 months ago
this is a food for thought response to jan 29th, 2009 11:13 am about still liking your v8. You're right, the power and sound of a v8 is hard to let go of. Though, electric vehicles make pretty great amounts of torque, which v8's make alot of with the horsepower. The battery technology is developing much more quickly, especially with performance. Lithium-ion seems to be the direction of battery power. although . . . if you still like the sound of a combustion engine, and want to be green, there is something you might be interested in. compressed air engine. instead of using air/ fuel ratios to push the piston down, a precise ratio of compressed air is delivered to push the piston down. i had explained a little more detail in a previous posting in this same day if you would like to scroll through to learn more about it. What is really cool is it costs almost no emissions to produce, and ZERO pollution to use, and still retains and engine sound. So far it is only in itallythe origin orf the inventor/engineer, and of course a small 3 banger. But maybe he can capitalize and convince someone, or someone convince him, to make a v8 air compression motor. I think that would be the ultimate solution.
What's important to remember is that there is still some emissions as you have to charge the batteries, but clean coal and newer technologies should greatly minimize the footprint. Regardless of the charging method it will reduce the footprint significantly in the long haul. It will only take one decently priced model to really transform the market.
All Comments
Don't forget the pre WWI EVs that had a higher market share than ICEs did for a while.
now that we know who killed the electric car...who will be the one to revive it?
I want that Tesla Roadster. Sure, it's expensive, but it's sooo pretty. but then again, i know nothing about cars, so I'm not even sure if it is actually that great. But dang, it'd look shiny in my driveway...or anywhere else for that matter.
As president of the Central Virginia Electric Auto Association (a chapter of the EAA) in the mid 1990's, I led a group of interested individuals through the process of converting "real" cars to electric drive. There are success and failure stories in any category of vehicles, even ICE (internal combustion engine) type cars, and electric cars are no exception. My own '73 bug could do only about 20 mile per charge but had the benefit of working defrost, which it's ICE counterparts never had. One member's converted Mercury Lynx was driven daily at highway speeds 60 miles.
The concept that we should wait for some wizbang electric that will do everything our ICE car could do is the wrong argument. What we should be looking at is why our ICE cars are engineered to drive well over 100 miles per hour (though we never do OR are allowed to) and have the torque equivalent of a herd of horses! We can survive with much less power-waste and capacity in our vehicles without loss of "comfort", "freedom", "luxury" or any of the other concepts sold to us by the auto industry.
Challenge: Write down your Miles-per-Day figures for the next week. If the daily total is less than 50, you can purchase an EV today, or have an ICE car converted.
Don't let Detroit's concept of what a car "is" box your thinking. Be a little more independent.
Oh, and for a nice explanation of American transportaion, try reading this:
http://users.pandora.be/fietser/fotos/VM4SD-FVD...>
Don't forget the totally cool Myers Motors NmG. Formerly the Sparrow, it is a 3 wheeler that is very affordable, and fills the commuter niche.
The fact that EV's in the 1990's California never sold well is not surprising. GM never sold one that I know of. Most manufacturers only leased EV's. I for one want to buy a car, not rent (lease) one for an extended period of time. At the end of the lease period, you're forced to go bargain your way through that same dealership just to either give the vehicle back or buy it.
Hi Collin,
I enjoyed reading your interesting post on electric vehicles. Just wanted to add that in India, we have the Maini Group which makes the Reva - a sleek, light weight car.
It's available in three models:
REVA Standard
REVA AC and
REVA Classe
Christened G-Wiz in UK, Reva has been voted the most ethical car by Ethical Consumer in 2005. The site has a section that makes you really curious. It's titled, "Make your own Reva". May be readers would like to find out more about it at www.revaindia.com.<br />
Advanced to charge battery on the moving wheel. Extra unit to be install in the the front wheel.From power star 2 wheelers.
There are a large number of common people who can only afford one car. If you have the money to own one for comuting and another to drive longer distances then you seem to be set. However, if I have to stop every 200 miles to charge my car for two hours instead of 5 minutes to fill the tank every 300 miles, I might as well own a horse.
It is of interest that the car was seen as a way to reduce polution from horses. Their polution particulates are rather large and smelly.
I want to know if there is any groups, attorneys, or organizations to turn to regarding my local city trying to tell me that LSV's (Low Speed Vehicles) are ILLEGAL on public streets when there IS a state law defing and permitting the use, BUT not LOCAL law even forbidding it. I seriously need some support an a matter that the local City Attorney's interruptation of the law is completily unjust and NOT helping our environment. He just doesn't want to be wrong and have to change his ruling.
As I recall, in the 1990's poster Jim Robb was a pioneer who drove an electiic car from Richmond to Washington D.C., and in the Cherry Blossom parade. That converted vehicle was usually charged under a carport covered with solar panels. I've experienced enough EV transportation in the past 15 years to agree with him. The "problem" with electric cars is not an electrical, chemical or mechanical engineering problem. It is a social engineering problem. Home built electrics could satisfy most peoples daily driving needs. And for occasional long trips we have mass transit and rental cars. Thanks goodness you don't have to build your own anymore.
Check out Zenn Motors,
makers of electric cars in Canada.
Check out Zenn Motors,
makers of electric cars in Canada.
YOU'ALL FORGOT PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORANT LINK: http://www.projectbetterplace.com/<br />
Seems like the Tata Nano is the way to go
Treehugger's post on electric vehicles says they are "attractive to those concerned with using less oil and causing fewer greenhouse gas emissions." But how do we think those batteries are going to be charged? If an electric car owner is equipped with solar electric panels and charges his/her car this way, then the electric car is a great solution. But most of us will use electricity from the power company, which produces it primarily by burning oil (or other carbon-based fuel), thus creating greenhouse emissions. Not only that, but about 2/3 of the energy obtained from burning that carbon-based fuel is then lost due to the inefficiencies of converting it to electricity and transmitting the electricity to our homes. This information should be right up front in your post, so that we can make truly informed decisions about greener transportation.
dude that car sucks
Having the ability to charge electric cars with clean energy is an important consideration.
So lets create a clean energy grid. Here's a proposal to convert the U.S. energy grid to solar.
Scientific American A Solar Grand Plan
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=a-solar-gra...>
Green Wombat has several articles about progresss already being made in California and Arizona with solar thermal power plants.
http://blogs.business2.com/greenwombat/</p>
The plan above stresses concentrating PV power plants, while it appears that solar thermal plants are further along in development and are much more low tech. Also, the proposal empahasizes using cadmium teluride solar cells, which makes me think that First Solar was on the panel that created it. Some have raised questions about the availability of teluride and the fact that cadmium is toxic.
I see a more diverse mix of energy than this plan calls for, with more distributed energy. However, we need more grid capacity and doing something very similar to their plan would go a long way toward a clean energy future.
Here's what one solar thermal company says.
"Solar thermal power plants such as Ausra's generate electricity by driving steam turbines with sunshine. Ausra's solar concentrators boil water with focused sunlight, and produce electricity at prices directly competitive with gas- and coal-fired electric power."
""Solar is one the most land-efficient sources of clean power we have, using a fraction of the area needed by hydro or wind projects of comparable output. All of America's needs for electric power – the entire US grid, night and day – can be generated with Ausra's current technology using a square parcel of land 92 miles on a side. For comparison, this is less than 1% of America's deserts, less land than currently in use in the U.S. for coal mines."
Electric cars are the way to go! Zap has several car models to chose from, scooters too! Check out the Xebra sedan in Zebra print! Awesome, stay green. www.zapworld.com</p>
how about this.
make these electric motors cheep enough so that any body can own one.
i my self, i would love one, the sun is a free sorce of energy
we take fossel fuels fo granted.
come 20-40 years. we will have, to relie on a alternative sorce of energy
so why cant we, start to do it now? 4 our great grand childrens sake.
we can use water to make energy. so we can use it to take us from A-B!
so why are we stil messing around with fosell fuels then?
I like the xaps, but if I gotta spend $15K for a very limited and weird shaped car, I would rather go the 40K route and get a truck that looks like everyone else's!
like these cars
To make Electric Cars viable, we need to have a standard 230v plug (such as the one Tesla uses) made available for charging ALL electric cars. These need installed in ALL major shopping plazas parking areas so that people can recharge on the go when needed, and have an interesting time while doing so.
The Electric Car, and greening of our electric grids will reduce pollution on the planet and make life better and healthier for all.
i seen that exact small car when i was in France 3 years ago so technically ya'll are late in selling this car seen it and drove it and i don't like it but it can fit anywhere.
It is a good site that contain most of these future cars.
I have come up with an invention to decrease the number of batteries needed in an electric vehicle and increase the mileage between charges and I have been trying to research grant opportunities available to develop my idea. My problem is that I have no way of knowing who to go to and apply for a grant since it seems that the internet is full of people trying to scam you at every turn. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
in response to....
"Will electric cars be the next revolution in transportation? Only time will tell."
what i have to say is not intended to insult or bring down any ideas posted or written on this site.
We DON'T have to wait! Why wait on time? "time" does not make the laws or the " next generation of electric cars" or any other environmentally friendly car. it's people like you and i, and anyone who understands that people as a whole are the ones who in the end make the decisions. It's our responsibility to make changes not necessarily the big manufacturers or oil company. those companies didn't get rich over night, WE made them rich over the years, and WE are the ones who continue to make them rich. I do understand and agree with the points and ideas of this site. But i guess what I'm trying to say is, we need to change some of the ways we are looking at the situation. Saying things as little as "only time will tell" does not improve the development of our ideas or help to bring back the "EV1". It makes us think the goal is out of our own hands reach.... and IT'S NOT.
The future of fual is water!! Watch this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YAuKpJl_pA<br />
Their is no information on fuel cell cars technology.
reply to- The future of fual is water!! Watch this video"John"
no its not. it is an alternative to gas fuel that keeps you hooked on the pump. but it's not even close to being the fuel of the future, as in the "choice" of fuel or "better" fuel choice. what about air fuel? engines that run on air pressure. this is something that runs off of what? air, compressed air, and if its built with it's own built in compressor you can drive almost free of paying any kinda fuel cost. but your probably are right, water just might be the fuel of the future. electricity is not the fuel of the "future" because it was the fuel of the past, and it's still the better fuel for the future. hey john have you taken a look at the rivers and lake and oceans lately? if you have not then i think you should. because of the effects of global warming caused by gas emission. well I'm sure you know all about it so i wont go into it. but the last thing we need is someone pumping hundred gallons more of water out of the oceans and lakes to fuel cars. imagine what would happen then,. but why not use water to make power for power stations so it can generate electric power that could not only be used to power your house but your car as well. it's just like a cell phone only a few hundred times bigger:)
August 19, 2007 8:03 Zac says:
"However, if I have to stop every 200 miles to charge my car for two hours instead of 5 minutes to fill the tank every 300 miles, I might as well own a horse".
The information above is an extract from a post on August 19, 2007.
The point refers to what would be possible with Lithium Ion Polymer batteries.
Whilst it appears to make an interesting argument iftfails to mention that with today's Lithium Ion NANO batteries you could charge your car up in 5 minutes the same as to full up the tank.
Since seeing Trevor Baylis' wind up radio, I always wondered if his concept could be adapted to an electric vehicle in such a way that while the vehicle was in motion, one of the wheels could be used to wind-up a generator big enough to charge a small second set of batteries ready to be used when the first set were discharged then first set recharged while second set ran the car. Thus increasing vehicle range almost double.
Battery technology seems to be advancing enough to make such a concept possible with quicker charging batteries. What do you think. Could it work? Have I just given away a millon dollar idea?
Maybe it's already been thought of, I don't know.
Man, this was an awesome article and its so true.
Green Vehicle's are crazy! I found this site that tells you how to make your gas car run on water!
Green Vehicle - Gas to Water
America needs to stay FOCUSED, AWARE and EDUCATED.
History reminds us that every time oil prices peak and the North American market/consumers start to discuss alternative energy sources, the oil exporting countries start to trim down their prices. History also tells us that the oil exporting nations have been very successful in the past and in fact, we have lost our enthusiasm and dropped many of our alternative energy initiatives after oil prices are reduced.
WE need to stay focused this time.
1) Al Gore and his energy initiative is on course.
2) T. Boone Pickens and his wind power initiative is on course.
3) BG Automotive Group’s mass production electric vehicle program is on
course.
4) Richard Branson from the UK is on course.
5) The Gas Reduction Act of 2008 might not be the most environmentally sound
solution, but yet it shows that Congress has finally realized that we have an
energy crisis (again), and a real threat to our national security.
The continued dependence on foreign oil is a threat to our long term democratic values. We must become an energy independent nation, and with this, some sacrifices will have to be made by the American consumer.
Be aware!!
We are exporting approximately USD $700 Billion dollars per year of U.S. currency. The majority of this money is being transferred to the Trillion dollar “sovereign wealth funds”. This is USD $700 Billion not being spent on America’s educational system, health care and security.
The “sovereign wealth funds” are directly buying major interests (large blocks of stock) in U.S. companies, including most of the major banks. Also, billions of dollars of “sovereign wealth fund” money is being invested in our hedge funds, private equity firms, and the investment banking industry. A few of these firms are directly and indirectly investing large sums of money into our “gas combustion” automobile industry. Do we want our auto industry in the direct or indirect control of the firms that are supplying us oil? This is an interesting topic for an investigative reporter.
There are automotive consulting companies in Michigan (heart of our auto industry), lobbying States and our Federal Government, NOT to subsidize the Electric Vehicle industry. The latter seems to be contradictory to what the American public would like to see from our automobile industry. After the billions (excess of $20 billion) the automotive companies have lost in the past 6 months producing gas combustion vehicles, you would think they too would change course. Changing course is not adding 2-4 miles per gallon w/Hybrids. Drastic measures in our auto industry must take place and NOW!
Do not let the temporary reduction in oil prices push us off course….AGAIN.
Read, Read, Read- Stay on top of the issues. Let’s not be fooled again.
STAY FOCUSED, AWARE and EDUCATED!
Why does America focus so much on their internal "issues", while in the the real world, excessive consumption of natural resources, including those to make cars, is killing children everyday? Shouldn't America start talking about Electric Mass Transportation?
Or other more efficient way of usage of energy to transport people?
It seems that Americans are trying to perpetuate a model invented almost 100 years ago. Sorry but it can no longer be sustainable.
We can reduce the amount of plug-in electricity to an appreciable degree by harnessing the wind energy around a moving vehicle to produce electricity. With the technology we have developed, once an electrical vehicle starts rolling it can produce a major portion of the electric needs from wind power. It can greatly extend the range of the standard battery-based vehicles. We can produce electric cars that place less demand on the envirnonment and move it from concept to commercial reality.
For more info please visit our website:
http://www.hydrogenrator.com</p>
Another electric vehicle is the vectrix electric bike.
It's beautiful, it's fast, and you can go around town and up to highway speeds. I want one :)
http://www.vectrix.com/
The Aptera Typ1 is scheduled to begin deliveries in December. Pure electric, 3-wheeler, 2-passenger, 120 miles range, up to 85 mph for about $27,000.
The PHEV in 2009/2010 at $30,000 at 300 mpg.
Aptera.com
Anonymous says:
Charge a second set of batteries off the motion created by the first set.....I am afraid its not that simple,by charging the second set you are putting extra load on the drive the first set of batteries is powering...you will never put in as much energy as is being removed by moving the vehicle and charging at the same time so in a very short time both packs would be dead.
.
There is no free lunch to be had here.
One thing that isn't mentioned in articles like this is a comparative cost to operate. With my electric bill last month reaching $400.00, a 25% increase over this time last year...is electric really a cost effective way to go? I mean sure electric cars are a treehuggers dream....but for the rest of us, we are wanting to know things like... the amount of kwh's used in charging an electric car the size of a Toyota camry...that will get 200 miles per charge.
Simply taking the profits from the oil companies and giving it to the electric companies...accomplishes what?... as it applies to a family's budget?
Dear all,
About electricity:
1. It is difficult and costly to store;
2. Renewable energy is most likely to be most efficiently converted into electric energy;
3. There is an infra-structure already built up to send electricity where we need it.;
4. It is efficiently produced in large scale;
Energy in all forms will get more expensive in the coming 10 - 20 years.
Today we waste an enormous amount of energy, because we burn a very valuable asset in an individual car.
Are we mature enough to start using transport systems based on electric traction for moving a large number of people?
Man, I just love the idea of electric cars.
My vision is the care that can go 250-300 mile on one charge - this is possible with super-capacitors, which unlike regular batteries, charge in less than 5 minutes, so you can actually set up a network of charging stations. This electric car should also have a solar roof and hood, so it charges while it is parked and you are at work.
Third, it should be a Hybrid. Yes, I know... the emissions and CO2 and NOX... but the car should be practical, and should not limit you to certain areas of California as was the case with the original electric car.
Hopefully the Prius Plug-in Generation two will come with super capacitors unlike the current one that can only go 15 miles n battery... Still, i'll get one as soon as they become commercially available and reasonable.... you can always install more batteries in it :)
thanks.
It's very beautiful and wonderful. I must to get one, but the price of course very expensive
A nice overview of electric cars
I have had an electric scooter for six months now and use it most days. I have not seen a perceptible increase in the monthly electricity bill in that duration, so to me, it is like operating the vehicle practically free of cost. Also since the motor has practically no moving parts, I have had no maintenance costs in this duration that i have owned the EV. So if someone asked me, I would wholly recommend the whole EV experience unreservedly.
When they are around $6-$8,000, 2 seater that will hold a 350lb man, not have to worry about $5000 to replace the batteries in 5yrs or the thing exploding, shorting out and frying me or repair costs that are astronomical, I might consider it. Drive 20mi ea day. Friend told me of a high voltage electric capacitor they are developing that can replace the battery thing altogether. Mount 1 in home to charge it in 5 min. or regular 230vlt in 5hrs.
It would prevent pwr spikes (think CA) and help regulate the home pwr. Pwr stations could be cheaply added to gas locations. They're working on the longivity of the plates that make it last longer, so keep your fingers crossed.
I like the thought of electric cars. But they just do not have the same power as my V8.
Comment to Brian regarding pumping water to fuel cars...
It takes 40,000 gallons of water to produce an internal combustion engined car.
So, it is already being pumped, at present.
It is much less costly to produce an electric vehicle in the quantities that an internal combustion car is produced.
I like the comment about the car replacing the horse, as this polution was the reason for cities replacing the 12 gallons per day of pee from each of the horses, not to mention the solids. All flowing into the bay, all day every day.
You will never get something for nothing, if we all were issued a Tesla tomorrow we would be clamoring for a new Nuke power plant here in Western Caifornia to power up all the cars while we are at work.
Is $100K for a car one cannot drive tomorrow to Phoenix from San Francisco a real option or a "Look at me im saving the planet toy"?
Retrofitting what we have is the cleanest solution, but it puts the burdon on ourselves, most of us are not up for that challange.
June 22, 2008 comment:
"Since seeing Trevor Baylis' wind up radio, I always wondered if his concept could be adapted to an electric vehicle in such a way that while the vehicle was in motion, one of the wheels could be used to wind-up a generator big enough to charge a small second set of batteries ready to be used when the first set were discharged then first set recharged while second set ran the car. Thus increasing vehicle range almost double."
Keep in mind that it takes power to turn a generator. The electric motor powering the car's motion would need more electricity to power the generator. Basically it seems like you are proposing a perpetual motion machine. Remember that in every conversion of energy there is a loss of usable energy.
July 29, 2008 Andre Canelhas said:
"We can reduce the amount of plug-in electricity to an appreciable degree by harnessing the wind energy around a moving vehicle to produce electricity. With the technology we have developed, once an electrical vehicle starts rolling it can produce a major portion of the electric needs from wind power. It can greatly extend the range of the standard battery-based vehicles. We can produce electric cars that place less demand on the envirnonment and move it from concept to commercial reality."
The car is going to use more energy to power the generator you propose. It will cause more resistance.
June 22, 2008 comment:
"Since seeing Trevor Baylis' wind up radio, I always wondered if his concept could be adapted to an electric vehicle in such a way that while the vehicle was in motion, one of the wheels could be used to wind-up a generator big enough to charge a small second set of batteries ready to be used when the first set were discharged then first set recharged while second set ran the car. Thus increasing vehicle range almost double."
Keep in mind that it takes power to turn a generator. The electric motor powering the car's motion would need more electricity to power the generator. Basically it seems like you are proposing a perpetual motion machine. Remember that in every conversion of energy there is a loss of usable energy.
Remember that each new product has some associated emissions in production. Even if you can't or don't want to buy a new car, there are ways of driving and using your current car in a more "green" fashion. You can slow down a bit, make sure the tires are full of air, carpool, or get out and walk instead of driving through. This is really interesting and fun! www.carbonrally.com<br />
There is an italian car engineer and designer, from my knowlage on national geografic channel, that designed an engine that has most of the same internal components mechanically. But instead of gas or diesel or electric, witch all at some point create pollution in either production and/or use, it uses compressed air. Works exactly the same as diesel, except using ratios of compressed air to push the piston down, instead of gas or diesel air/fuel ratios. What is cool about this is it creates no emissions to produce, nor use!!!! For the car enthusiasts, it sounds like a regular petrol/gas engine, less parts and gadgets for car assembly, lightweight designs, and more space used for cabin/luggage use. They store the compressed air in similar tanks used to blow up balloons! Ha, kinda funny actually. They had even took a step further by implicating safety into carrying around that compressed air. the tanks are made of carbon fiber. So if the unspeakable happens, your car will not become a bomb! Carbon fiber, under intense pressure or collision, will crack and release the air. Each vehicle is hand built, with materials such as fiberglass ect. One the smartest and more simple ways of greener transportation.
this is a food for thought response to jan 29th, 2009 11:13 am about still liking your v8. You're right, the power and sound of a v8 is hard to let go of. Though, electric vehicles make pretty great amounts of torque, which v8's make alot of with the horsepower. The battery technology is developing much more quickly, especially with performance. Lithium-ion seems to be the direction of battery power. although . . . if you still like the sound of a combustion engine, and want to be green, there is something you might be interested in. compressed air engine. instead of using air/ fuel ratios to push the piston down, a precise ratio of compressed air is delivered to push the piston down. i had explained a little more detail in a previous posting in this same day if you would like to scroll through to learn more about it. What is really cool is it costs almost no emissions to produce, and ZERO pollution to use, and still retains and engine sound. So far it is only in itallythe origin orf the inventor/engineer, and of course a small 3 banger. But maybe he can capitalize and convince someone, or someone convince him, to make a v8 air compression motor. I think that would be the ultimate solution.
I've heard Audi (http://adwido.com/view_content?vkey=d4ce2f57b92...) has now developed an electric car too.