The Advantages of Electric Cars

The world of electric cars, or EV for electronic vehicles, has come out of the shadows to move forward once again. Not since the turn of the last century have we seen this much interest in electric vehicles. In the very early 1900s, we saw the competition between gas-powered and electric-powered vehicle neck and neck, with the gas-powered cars winning out. But the recent exponential growth in fuel prices has renewed our interest in the EV, and there is much to be excited about.

Lower fuel costs

At home and abroad, the rush to supply the ever-increasing demand for fossil fuels has reached a fever pitch. But most of the sweating has been done by the consumer. There are many who say that the increase in the cost of a gallon of gasoline to $4 is what started the crash of the economy beginning in 2007 and 2008.

As a result, we started looking for ways to lower our dependence on oil, and all eyes were on the electric car. But can switching to an EV really lower our fuel cost?

The internal combustion engine is only about 15 percent efficient, losing 85 percent of its available energy to the air in the form of heat. The EV is more efficient at 25 percent efficiency, and that along with the less expensive electricity equates to a fuel mileage of 188 mpg. So, yes, we can lower our fuel cost by switching to an EV.

Lower Fuel Consumption

At the national level, our fuel consumption is almost triple that of our nearest competitor, China. But, by switching to EV, transportation we can substantially lower our consumption as a nation.

Not only is the EV a more efficient use of our fuel, electricity is generated in a variety of ways. Seventy percent of electricity is still generated using fossil fuels, but coal and natural gas make up the bulk of that fuel. Thirty percent, however, is generated by alternative means such as solar and wind power. This number is likely to increase as we keep looking for better sources of energy.

In turn, there will be a larger supply of oil available for use elsewhere in industries such as plastics and manufacturing. The increases in supply caused by the decrease in demand for use in transportation, should drive the costs down further.

Lowering pollution

Lowered vehicle emissions is the No. 1 advantage of the EV.

Across the board, the emissions of an electric car are zero. The oil-powered car is responsible for 89 percent of the carbon monoxide emissions, 54 percent of the nitrites of oxygen emissions and 28 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions in this country. By switching to electric-powered cars and trucks, we can lower our entire country's emissions by those same numbers. Not only that, but if we also lower the demand for gasoline, the production will naturally follow, further lowering emissions and improving air quality.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution is another area we could see a dramatic drop in.

The constant rush of internal combustion engines would be replaced by the near-silent hum of an electric motor, and horsepower ratings would no longer be proportionate to how loud a vehicle was. If fact, there is a chance that if we did convert to electric cars, pedestrians might not notice the car until it was right on them--they are that quiet. As a result of the noise level being reduced, stress also could be reduced in the general population.

Summary

The benefits far outweigh the costs when it comes to electric cars. A small loss in driving range that is getting smaller and smaller as battery technology is developed would be the trade-off. A decrease in noise, along with the decrease in oil reliance and an increase in efficiency, makes this a win-win situation.