Electric vehicles are getting more popular by the day, and for good reason. Not only are these cars stylish, they’re also good for the environment.Electric vehicles can run on renewable energy, meaning that they don’t have to rely on fossil fuels that damage the environment.. Harvesting these resources and eventually burning them can result in water and air pollution, destroyed habitats, and expensive fuel costs. Here’s what you should know about how electric cars work and what’s next for these exciting vehicles.
Engineering Electric Vehicles
Mass adoption of electric vehicles has been slow, and engineers around the world are working to change that. They focus on both mechanical and electrical engineering techniques to power mechanical wheels, electric motors, and other components that make electric vehicles run. Continuing advancements in electric vehicle engineering are making these cars more affordable and popular for consumers interested in doing more to positively improve the environment.
Engineers are also working to ease the strain on the electrical grid that these cars would create. Meeting increased power demands could result in an increase in renewable energy use, including solar and wind power. This makes grids safer, more secure, and better able to supply the power necessary to fuel electric cars.
Design Driven
Designing electric vehicles is about more than just aesthetics, though these cars do tend to look futuristic and flashy. Cars designed to run on electricity have more interior space thanks to the lack of a large engine. Instead, they use small batteries that fit into neat, rectangular areas, leaving more room for stashing belongings. Many electric vehicles are being designed with cost in mind, with lightweight parts being used when possible to cut down on already expensive cars’ prices. Some cars have as little as 5 to 10 percent total weight coming from aluminum parts.
Battery and Fuel System
Electric cars run entirely on battery power. These batteries can be charged through normal electrical grids, and they power a motor that turns the wheels and provides energy to the car. Hybrid cars, meanwhile, have both an electric motor and a conventional gas engine, which helps extend their driving range. Fuel cell electric vehicles, meanwhile, convert hydrogen gas into electricity to power the electric motor and battery and are not charged through the grid.
Several types of batteries can be used for electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are currently used in consumer electronics, such as cell phones and laptops. They have high energy efficiency and can be recycled, making them a popular choice for electric cars. Nickel-metal hydride batteries, meanwhile, are used in hybrid vehicles and have longer lifespan. Lead-acid batteries are sometimes used in electric-drive vehicles, but they have a short lifespan and are therefore not used as often as other types of batteries available for commercial electric vehicles.
Emissions
Electric vehicles that run purely on electricity have no tailpipe emissions. In fact, many electric cars do not have a tailpipe at all. However, emissions may be produced by the source of that electricity, depending on where car owners get their power. Hybrid cars, meanwhile, emit some gas when they are running on traditional gasoline and have no emissions when they are running only on electricity. However, they typically emit less overall than traditional vehicles.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles have many of the same benefits as other products that use renewable energy to operate. They produce little to no emissions of gasses and other harmful elements that can damage the atmosphere or pollute the environment. Because they do not run on fossil fuels, electric vehicles lessen the amount of oil and coal that must be harvested, preventing damage to various ecosystems and habitats.
Electric vehicles also have unique benefits of their own. They are often cheaper to operate than traditional cars, as electricity is less expensive than gas. Maintenance costs are lower because there are fewer moving parts. Electric cars are quiet, making them ideal for environments that are not particularly noisy. They can be an excellent choice for people who are concerned about the environment but also seeking a safe, efficient vehicle for their families.
Staying in the Loop
Keeping yourself informed about the latest news in electric vehicles can help you plan for your next car purchase. It can also help you discuss the latest initiatives with others, helping educate them about sustainable transportation options that can have a major impact on the environment. To make the biggest difference, consider getting involved in renewable energy initiatives. Call your government representatives to encourage them to vote for new laws that will make it easier to buy, build, and research electric vehicles, and support local actions like installing electric vehicle charging ports in your neighborhood. Doing your part to facilitate the research and development of sustainable transportation options can have positive, far-reaching results.
