In the age of clean, green and sustainable living, more and more environmentally conscious people are turning to electric cars to save money and the environment. Whenever you hear the term electric car it is usually mentioned synonymously with the term hybrid car. However, an electric vehicle is completely different than a hybrid vehicle Electric cars are still rare in America, however multiple manufacturers are planning the release of a number of Electric cars between now and 2011.
Overview
In electric cars the internal combustion gasoline engine has been replaced with an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a control, which derives it power from rechargeable batteries. The earlier versions of electric cars had major drawbacks that kept them from being truly marketable to the average consumer-lack of driving range, aesthetic qualities, and lengthy charging times to name a few. The new electric vehicle has been engineered with today’s consumer in mind.
Electric vehicles have electric motors that are powered by a sophisticated rechargeable (usually lithium) batteries. Most electric cars can be charged by connecting to a 110 volt electrical outlet- which can be found in every home. Charge times range between two and twelve hours. Most vehicles can be driven between 60 and 200 miles on a single charge, depending on how fast the car is driven. Electric cars have a maximum speed range between 60-120 mph.
Differences between Hybrid and Electric Cars
Hybrid cars are not electric cars, they are a synthesized version of the electric car and a fuel powered one. Specifically, hybrids have an electric motor that and a gasoline fueled engine. The engine in hybrids is significantly smaller than those found in regular vehicles. Hybrids are currently the most common form of “green” cars because they deliver a dramatic reduction of fuel emissions, offer a high rate of fuel efficiency, and are widely available for purchase.
Benefits of Purchasing an Electric Vehicle
There are a wealth of benefits (both personal and environmental) derived upon purchasing an electric vehicle. Zero fuel emissions and zero gasoline bills are the most prevalent. Since electric cars are engine free, that means that car maintenance tied to the engine is non-existent- i.e. this means no oil changes, no spark plugs, no transmission, etc. Also, the social benefits of decreasing U.S. reliance on foreign oil and in turn reducing oil related environmental damage.
Plug in Hybrids
There is a new generation of plug in hybrids that run off of electric motors but have a gasoline fueled generator inside that provides drivers with extended drive ranges. The following have scheduled release dates between 2009 and 2011- Chevy Volt, Toyota’s Plug-in Prius, and the Saturn Vue.
New and Upcoming Electric Vehicles
Tesla Roadster
Tesla motors is to electric cars, what Apple is to the personal computer, the standard to which all others strive to achieve, if you will. The Tesla roadster is a two seater electric car with the frame of Lotus. The roadster can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds, gets the equivalent of 135 mpg, and can travel for 200 miles before needing to be recharged. Tesla provides its customers with a special high power connector that recharges the battery in as little as 3.5 hours As of now the Tesla Roadster has a hefty price tag of $100,000. Although there are a few on the road now, Tesla motors is slated to increase the number of roadsters available in 2009 and 2010.
Aptera 2E
Aptera motors manufactures the two-seater Aptera 2E. The Aptera 2E can go from 0 to 60 mph in 10 seconds and has a 100 mile driving range per charge. Current recharge times on the 2E are about 8 hours (110 volt outlet) or 2-4 hours(220 volt outlet). The Aptera 2E which will be released on a limited basis in 2009 comes in at the affordable price range between $25,000 and $40,000.
Dodge Circuit
Chrysler has plans to release the Dodge Circuit in 2011. The Circuit also borrowed its shell design from the Lotus. The Circuit can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, reaches a maximum speed of 120 mph, and has a driving range of about 200 miles. Battery charging times are similar to the Aptera 2E: 8 hours (100 volt outlet) or 4 hours (220 volt outlet). Chrysler hasn’t yet revealed to the public what the price tag on the Circuit will be.
Mini E
BMW developed the Mini E based off of the Mini Cooper frame. Mini E’s accelerate from 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds and have a maximum speed of 95 mph. The Mini E will be able to drive for about 150 miles before needing a recharge and recharge times on the are 23.6 hours (110 volt outlet) and and 4.4 hours (240 volt outlet). You can purchase a special high amp wall mounted device that cuts the charge time down to 2.9 hours. There are about 500 Mini E’s that have been leased to customers in California and New York, and wide spread availability is rumored to be set for 2010.
Nissan Electric Car
Nissan recently announced that they would be manufacturing an electric vehicle that will be available to the public by 2010. Details are sketchy, but the car will be a 5 passenger vehicle that can reach a maximum speed of 100 mph, with a driving range of 4 hours. The price tag will be in the range of $20.000 to $33,000.
The green movement must become a permanent way of life if any of the current environmental damage is to reversed. The federal government and states are promoting the move to electric and hybrid vehicles by providing owners with extensive tax credit. American auto-makers are quickly revamping plans to cater to this explosive new market, that is predicted to skyrocket over the next 5 years.
Resource list and Helpful links:
1. www.evworld.com/index.cfm
2. www.hybridcars.com/
3. www.minispace.com/en_us/projects/electric-mini-e/
Electric Vehicles- Green Clean Driving Machines 
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