Types of Electric Vehicles: Green Vehicles Articles: Eco20/20

Types of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are increasing in popularity in the automobile marketplace. With each passing year, more and more alternatives to the internal combustion engine are becoming available. The electric vehicle is no exception. There are currently a few models available on the market, as well as a few from the major car companies slated to debut in the coming year, so let's take a closer look at what is on offer.

In Europe and Asia, there are a variety of compact, all-electric models available for in-town use. These are gaining popularity and we are seeing that impact in the United States as the major car companies begin to hop on board the all-electric bandwagon. With many prototypes being developed each year, companies are beginning to develop models for mass production on the mainstream marketplace, making the electric car an option for everyday folks without massive budgets.

Tesla Motors currently offers an all-electric vehicle called the Roadster, and expects to begin releasing another model called the S in 2012. The Roadster is a high performance all-electric sports car that provides superior handling and power. While these cars are pricey (what sports car isn't?), at a little over $100,000 per vehicle, they aim to please. This spunky little sports car boasts 288 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds. And there are no emissions. What's not to love about that?

Nissan is set to release its LEAF all-electric vehicle at the end of the year in the United States and a bit later in other international markets. The LEAF is an innovative compact car, requiring absolutely no gas. It can go up to 100 miles per charge, making it ideal for in-city driving. This small car with a big heart seats up to five and can travel highway speeds with ease. This vehicle comes with all the safety features and amenities of a traditional, internal combustion engine, without the emissions. The LEAF is the first mass produced all-electric vehicle from one of the major car companies and is reasonably priced, especially when compared with hybrids. The LEAF, depending on features and options chosen ranges in the mid-$30,000's.

Chevy is releasing their comparable model, the Volt, in 2011, though it is not entirely electric. The Volt is a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle. It can get an all-electric range of about 40 miles, which again, makes this an excellent choice for in-town driving. However, this vehicle is not all-electric. It contains a small internal combustion engine that can kick on once the battery packs power supply is depleted. Electricity is then created by the gasoline powered generator in the vehicle, which extends the range of the Volt to accommodate most moderate trips or commutes. This vehicle is priced around $40,000, making it a good option as a family sedan.

As the major car companies begin to fall in line behind the niche companies that have been creating alternative, all-electric vehicles for a few years now, the electric vehicle becomes a more viable option for mainstream drivers with moderate budgets. With each new model that rolls off the assembly line, technology will continue to advance, expanding the variety of all-electric models available, as well as bringing down the cost to a more affordable level.