ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
Did You Know?
It is estimated that global consumption of oil could double in the next 25 to 30 years. (Source: MSNBC- Nov. 13- 2002)
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Battery Electric
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that run on electricity stored in batteries. EVs are often confused with hybrid electric vehicles which combine an internal combustion engine with a battery. EVs are truly zero emission cars because they have no tailpipe exhaust and no evaporative emissions from fuel systems. Manufacturers have developed a broad spectrum of EVs - from neighborhood electric cars which can be used for short trips around town to full function electric cars which can be used for longer trips and have the body of conventional cars.
The availability and styles of these vehicles vary from year to year, but with battery technology getting more sophisticated, manufacturers will have the ability to design electric vehicles with extended range, faster charging and more power.
The heart of an EV has three main components: the batteries, the electric motor controller, and the electric motor. The controller takes power from the batteries and delivers it to the motor. The batteries of an EV can vary in type, number, voltage and placement. The different battery types available now are Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel metal hydride, Lithium Ion, and Lead acid. To recharge the batteries, there is a charger component on the car which takes the electricity from a power source (ultimately the power plant) and converts the current from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
Benefits:
- No tailpipe exhaust
- No evaporative emissions
- No emissions system which can degrade or fail with time
- No emissions from the refining of fuel and service stations
- With widespread use, EVs can:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions (link to ghg emissions info)
- lessen our cancer risk from exposure to toxic air contaminants such as benzene when refueling with gasoline and
- reduce oil consumption and dependence on imported oil
- When factoring in power plant emissions - EVs are 90% cleaner than the average new gasoline vehicle.
- When driving an electric vehicle with a 30-mile commute, you can reduce gasoline consumption by an estimated 750 gallons annually.
Perks and Conveniences:
- Incentives such as HOV stickers, free parking in some areas, and State, Federal and local cash incentives. (link to incentives search)
- Recharge at home or work – no more gas station trips (link to EV charging page)
- Fuel costs are less than a conventional car – estimated at $1 - $2 per day for a 30 to 70 mile commute
- Maintenance costs are lower because there are fewer moving parts to service and repair
- No noisy engine
Safety
EVs meet all federal motor vehicle safety requirements. The batteries are sealed and all high-voltage circuits are protected from casual contact. High-voltage circuits are marked, color-coded and posted with warnings to advise of their presence. These vehicles pose no additional risks over a conventional vehicle.
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