EV: The Future In Motion: Green Vehicles Articles: Eco20/20

EV: The Future In Motion

The EV, or electric vehicle, is a vehicle which is driven by an all-electric motor powered by one or more rechargeable battery packs. The idea for the electric vehicle is not new, electric motors were being produced as early as the mid-1800s, as electricity was the best form of propulsion energy at the time. That is, until the discovery of the abundance of oil, and thus the advent of the internal combustion, gasoline powered automobile, which has dominated our landscapes ever since.

But with the ever-volatile oil market, causing gas prices to soar and drop at a moment's notice, as well as growing concern over the impact of gasoline powered vehicles contributing on climate change, alternative vehicle research and production has soared. While hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles are all the rage right now, some of the top automobile manufacturers are turning to the all-electric vehicle as the future of the automobile industry.

It is interesting that the technology has been around for so long, and yet only now are we seeing a real push towards getting mass production quality electric vehicles on the market. In the early 1990s, General Motors released an all-electric commercial vehicle, the EV1, onto the marketplace in California. The vehicles were produced in response to a state government mandate to reduce vehicle emissions in the state. A select few vehicles were rented out to individuals, and the response was overwhelming. Those who drove the EV1 loved it, and couldn't wait for their chance to purchase the vehicles for themselves. However, when their leases came up, GM would not sell the cars, all were taken back and subsequently destroyed. While there are many conspiracy theories as to "Who Killed the Electric Car" (a documentary film of the same name follows the story of the EV1 and its demise), perhaps the average consumer or auto manufacturers just weren't ready, or the technology just wasn't quite there yet to get a mass produced vehicle on the market.

Whatever the reason, the talk of and interest in the electric vehicle seems to be gaining momentum in the public dialogue, and automobile manufacturers are responding in kind. While more places are looking to seriously tackle vehicle emissions and consumers want to play their part to reduce their impact on the environment, the electric vehicle is becoming an ever more handsome alternative to the traditional all gasoline vehicle. With battery technology improving, batteries for electric vehicles are becoming better and better equipped to handle the needs of the modern day driver.

Electric vehicles are great for short trips such as in-city driving. With current battery technology, one can run their errands around the city in their electric vehicles, and then reasonably expect to recharge them at home overnight. For those with a longer commute, the technology is on its way. Researchers in Japan are currently working on a pilot project to test the concept of battery exchange stations. Similar in concept to the gas station, one could exchange their dead electric battery for a freshly charged one and be on their way in a flash. Not unlike stopping to fill up your tank, eh?

The electric vehicle is the future of automobile technology. At a time when gas prices are uncertain and the future of the climate depends on our changing the way we traverse our environment, the electric vehicle offers a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine. There are many prototypes in the works and a top vehicle manufacturer is planning to release a mass produced all -electric car later this year, which shows a bright future for the electric car!