All very good points. Ultimately as more manufacturers produce more EVs and more people purchase them, energy concerns will be the next topic. With more alternative energy sources becoming cheaper for consumers, the worry of fossil fuel consumption with these individuals should slow down.
Technology is allowing for better batteries for the EV's, and more charging stations are being installed to allow these vehicles to become more prevalent. In some areas with plenty of sunshine, like the southwest, the cost of charging these vehicles can be offset by installing solar panels. Granted, there is an initial cost to install these, but they too receive tax write offs from the government.
With all new technology there is a ramp up phase. I am sure over 100 years ago we would have been debating the horseless carriage.
"Where do you go to get this here GAS-O-LEEN? My horse can eat just about anything where ever I go."
As more fast charge stations are deployed, you would be able to run your errands and charge up while you are doing something. I have heard that in Phoenix there may be fast charge stations at major shopping centers such as near a Best Buy. In my discussion with a representative for a charging station manufacturer, they are in discussions with BP and ARCO.
We each need to asses what are vehicle requirements are based on our work and lifestyles. Most cars are not suited for going off road or hauling a heavy trailer, for ex.
There will be technological advancements in EVs. I look at the Prius. The first one we bought in 2001 was a nice little car with excellent gas mileage. But it did not have much trunk space. For a family of 4 (our kids were little then) it was fine for a weekend trip, but I would not consider it for a week long family vacation. The next genertation Prius is bigger and has even better mileage. Now our kids are college age and there is plenty of storage space that we take this for a wekk long trip.
As for the arguement that EVs still consume fossil fuels because the power station burns oil or coal, well we have to start somewhere. The next step will be to generate more electrical power from renewable resources such as solar and wind. One step at a time.
This is a very informative and detailed article for anybody interested in purchasing an electric vehicle or just keeping up to date on the current technology.
One downside to current electric cars is the mileage per charge and some of the variables that allows maximum distance. These cars are very beneficial to the environment, no matter where you live. Individuals with a longer daily commute are going to be hard pressed to get through the day on a full charge, especially if they have a few errands to run along with their daily commute to work. In this instance these individuals are still going to be better served by a hybrid.
As the government continues to help fund the automakers and individuals with tax cuts and incentives, electric cars should be available to more people in the future. During that time, technology will continue to advance to allow longer run times, or at least to come up with ways to allow for faster charges without depleting battery life. Quicker charge times and more communities installing charging stations in specific parking spaces should help to further the movement to all electric vehicles.
Very informative articles. The safety sound at 18 miles seems okay for parking lots, how about the residential areas or high school zones that allow speeds of 25-35 miles in NJ. Would the sound stop over 18miles?
I a m right there with you Dennis. It kills me to see the price of oil & gas skyrocket day-to-day. Everytime I see a hybrid that claims to run at give or take 50mpg, I think about driving straight to the dealer & buying.
My original article was rather long and was split up for publication. There is info in Part 1 as wellas more video.
The reason for the sound generation under 18mph is for safety. Originally it was intended for blind pedestrians. However, I can tell you from driving a Prius since 2001, that this is for EVERYONE. We all get used to hearing a car engine and automatically react. I quickly discovered that when driving a Prius through a parking lot no one can hear you. I have to be especially careful to watch out for people walking right into my path. There is a speaker in the front of the car. I do not think that the sound generation has much of an impact on the battery life.
Stealth mode may be fun but it is dangerous. In the video you will not hear this sound because these are pre-production models they had for the tour. The sound is regulated by government standards. A common question is can I add my own special sound? Unfortunately the government regulations do not allow for this. Otherwise we could have a market for downloading EV simulated engine noise. Too bad. You could swithc from Harley Davidson to MAC truck to the Starship Enterprise, but alas no.
Everything looks perfect and I hope the mileage of 100miles with full charge can be improved with better motors in future. But one thing is surprising “Sound is generated for safety when driving under 18 mph”. Why does it need to generate sound under 18mph. Does the motor is going to discharge the battery very fast at lower speeds. In a city when you are in traffic, the car will definitely run lesser than this speed. I appreciate if you can post more details in regard to this.
Very interesting piece, I'm very optimistic about the future of these type of cars... Ideally, I hope that the next car I purchase will not rely solely on gas.
As someone who has done some electrical work, I laughed at the, "If you have an electric stove, do not cook and charge at the same time." But you do raise a good point in that getting the proper outlet installed is going to be at least a minor challenge for many people.
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Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
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Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
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