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The electric vehicle (EV), or, more colloquially, ZEV electric car, is gaining traction as a viable alternative form of personal transportation, and remains just out of arms' reach as a mainstream way to get around. The cars run on energy stored in large packs of batteries instead of the more conventional internal combustion engine, making them very attractive to those concerned with using less oil and causing fewer greenhouse gas emissions. When driving, they don't emit any carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas, nor any nitrogen oxide or other smog-forming compound. The first electric car to be commercially available in the US, General Motors' EV1, is pictured above, and much was made about who killed the electric car; keep reading to get the scoop on whodunit. 

Before we dive in to the EV1, a little context: historically, EVs have had issues with high battery costs, limited travel distance between battery recharging, charging time, and battery lifespan, which have limited widespread adoption. Ongoing battery technology advancements have addressed many of these problems; many models have recently been prototyped, and a growing handful of future production models have been announced. Toyota, Honda, Ford and General Motors all produced EVs in the 1990s in order to comply with the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, which was later defeated by the manufacturers and the federal government.

The EV1 was back in the news in 2006 with the documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car?" , a look at the development, limited commercialization and subsequent death of the car amid rumors of conspiracy and control from oil companies and the government. Though the car never achieved widespread use, the car was an important step forward, representing proof that such cars were technologically possible and viable with few modifications to the current transportation infrastructure.

Thankfully, there's a new generation of electric cars and vehicles here to pick up where the EV1 left off; keep reading to learn more about the Tesla, better battery technology, and more. New electric vehicles: powered by better batteries. Since the "death" of the EV1 and the development of battery chemistries better suited to power something as large as a car, there have been big claims from a growing number of manufacturers about bringing EVs to the market.

Tesla Roadster: leading the electric car "charge"

Not least of these is the Tesla Roadster, pictured above (read the latest on Tesla here). Offering gaudy numbers like 0-60 in 4 seconds, the equivalent of 135 miles per gallon, more than 200 miles per charge and a price tag hovering around $100,000, Tesla's hot-rod looks and performance have become the poster child for the next generation of EVs, and several other manufacturers have thrown their hat into the battery-powered ring as well.

Between them all, they offer a wide variety of styles, levels of performance and price; after Tesla's two-seater sexiness, Miles Automotive Group's XS 500 (pictured above) represents the sensible family sedan under $30,000 and Phoenix Motorcars offers an electric pick-up truck. All offer the zero-emission (while driving, at least) alternative and the ability to get up to a couple hundred miles per charge while achieving highway-like speeds. Though these examples were developed to be driven like conventional cars, they excel at the shorter, commuter-type trips that dominate much of our driving these days. And, of course, the prototype caveat remains: none of the above cars has come to market, leaving a question mark on their true performance and viability until they show up at a dealership near you.

About the Author: Alessandro Benevelli was born on 12th July 1977. After Economic study he became the Sales Manager of company Benevelli Srl (http://www.benevelli.biz)

EV Electric Cars for Sale

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Many conventional car owners are fascinated by the idea of driving an electric car and they would like to know how it works. Generally, electric vehicles (EV) are quite simple. Instead of burning fossil fuel to generate force, EV uses the power of magnetic induction to produce torque from the electric motor. The more electricity flowing through the motor, the more force it will generate. Ever since the price of gasoline reached a new height, running a car has become an expensive ordeal. It is understandable that many car owners are expressing their interest on electric car. What would be the process of retrofitting a car into an EV? This article will provide some useful information on the subject.

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Electric cars run on batteries anywhere from 12 to 24 of them underneath the hood. When it comes time for new batteries, they are actually readily available. The batteries used to run an electric car are similar to those used to power cell phones and even those little vehicles that kids like to drive around the yard. Getting new batteries for your electric car should not be a problem when the time comes.

The reality is that electric car batteries last for quite a long time, so getting new ones will not have to happen for quite a long time. When you do have to get new batteries for your electric car, you can expect to pay around $2,000 to $5,000 for them depending on the make and model of your electric car.

Some batteries have memories in them and if you do not run them out before charging them, they lose some of their potency. Be completely aware of how much electricity you have left before you go to plug in for a recharge. You may find yourself having to buy new batteries for your electric car before you really want to.

The electric car industry is always coming up with new battery technology that can help power your vehicle longer and charge faster. It is only a matter of time before that technology will allow you to drive your car further before a charge. That is good news for people who are electric car enthusiasts. Right now, the general range is around one hundred miles per charge. It is entirely possible that by the year 2010, you will be able to drive an electric car over 200 miles on new batteries.

When the time does come to get new batteries for your electric car, you can rest assured that you will be able to recycle almost the entire battery. Electric car batteries are 95 percent recyclable. You have an electric car, most likely, because you want to do something good for the environment and give yourself some relief from the ridiculous price of gasoline. Well, being able to recycle an electric car battery before you buy new ones, you can have peace of mind and a new source of power.

Choose the best type of battery for your need when you are buying new batteries for your electric car. Get the best battery you can find for the money and rest assured that you are doing your part both for the environment as well as for yourself.



Submitted By: Hilal Abdelwali

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Motors for Electric Cars

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The Basics Of How You Can Build Your Own Electric Car

With the cost of gas these days, some consumers have decided that having and operating an electric vehicle will be more effective and cheaper in the long run. If you decide to build your own electric vehicle, there are whole lot of resources available to assist you understand and work through the process of changing a gas vehicle to an electric vehicle.

If you have a long commute everyday, an electric vehicle might not be your best choice, since on average, electric vehicles can run from 30-70 miles each day. This is totally dependant on the driving conditions, the weight of the vehicle and the battery quality. Also consider how you will be recharging the batteries. If you live in an apartment complex with no garage, it may be impossible to charge the car’s batteries every night.

Important Considerations

First you have to decide what type of car you want to use to build your own electric vehicle. Smaller cars will usually be ideal, but larger vehicles can be used as well. You will most likely want to use a car that has a manual four or five speed transmission, since manuals are more efficient. Interestingly, since electric motors are so efficient, shifting up and down constantly won’t happen as much as it does in a gas fueled engine.

When you build your own electric vehicle, the additional systems can add anywhere from 200 to 500 extra pounds to the total weight of the car. So, when choosing the car you want to work with, make sure that the total weight of the car with the modifications isn’t completely ridiculous and is within reason.

A few things that are optional and not used often when you build your own electric vehicle are power steering and air conditioning. The power steering would require another motor to make the power steering pump work. Air conditioning drags on the batteries, but you can hook up air conditioning using a special magnet system to work the compressor.

If you want to build your own electric vehicle, there are plenty of resources out there to help you do the job right. As time passes, electric vehicles and hybrids will become more and more popular simply because the price of gas seems like it is going to stay fairly high and for many people, gas is almost not affordable. Take a look and decide if you want to build your own electric vehicle; you might be surprised at how fairly easy it is to convert your gas guzzler into an electric vehicle.

Submitted By: matt q may, Sr.

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Electric Cars for Sale

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It seems that not so long ago, electric cars were a very distant possibility. However, in today's world, electric cars are becoming extremely popular and may very well be a large part of our not so distant future. Electric cars have been produced, tried, and tested by many manufacturers and consumers are excited about the prospect. Let us take a look at the many positives that can go with the future of electric cars and why we should consider it as a possibility in our own future.

Electric cars are all together cleaner and safer for our environment. By driving electric cars, our generation will virtually eliminate air pollution and make the air cleaner for future generations. Cleaner air to breathe is a necessity and electric cars can work to provide that.

Electric cars are more affordable than fuel powered cars. Studies on electric cars have shown that for a passenger vehicle it will cost less to run the electric cars, than filling your car up every week with gas. In fact, for about $30, electric cars can operate for one full month. With the price of fuel on the rise at a consistent speed, electric cars would offer our finances a nice break. Maintenance is more affordable as well; you will not have to worry about changing the oil, submitting your car for a smog check, or having a tune up performed on electric cars.

Noise pollution is something we all complain about, especially within the bigger cities. Electric cars provide a quieter environment for everyone concerned. The future of electric cars mean no more 3 AM wake up calls by our neighbor's loud cars. Furthermore, those that live close to busy streets and highways will sleep and live easier without the extra noises from the cars driving down the streets.

One problem about electric cars is at the present time it cannot travel extremely far without needing a charge. 25 to 60 miles on one charge is about all you can expect at this point in time. However, some areas offer "charging stations", for example those in California can stop at a charging station and charge their electric cars for longer trips. It takes about three hours to fully charge the electric cars before you are ready to go again. The technology of electric cars is still being manufactured and research; we can expect great things in the markets in the future.

In the end, we all live here on earth and are all responsible for its preservation. Everyone needs to do their part, however seemingly small that may be. Use of electric cars is only one possibility to consider in preserving quality of life on earth for ours and future generations.



Submitted By: Heather Colman

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EV Electric Cars for Sale

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Hybrid Electric Car: A Promising Future for the Environment

When you think about "hybrid car", what do you think of first? Which aspects of "hybrid car" are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.

A hybrid-electric vehicle, or HEV, combines an electrical energy storage system with an occupied means of generating electrical energy, usually through the consumption of some type of fuel. Each type of HEV has its own operating quality and chosen design practices, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

The development of interior ignition engine vehicles, especially in automobiles, is one of the supreme achievements of modern technology as a new rising energy saving and environment -friendly vehicle, that’s why the hybrid-electric vehicles were created to give convenience to every human.

In the process of creating the hybrid electric car, the most important is the energy saving and the environmental protection. Wherein nowadays these are the common problems faced by the society.

The main disadvantage of the electric car is that it is mainly dependent on the batteries and has limited range.

First of all, the hybrid electric car was supposed to be an electric vehicle with batteries for power storage and is also equipped with an on-board heat engine-powered generator. This means that this type of hybrid has an extended range.

Since the beginning of the use of automobiles, electric cars have been already recognized and conceptualized. Even though the electric power train is better in various aspects, as an energy source, the battery was unequal to the superior-energy content, easiness in terms of the handling, and inexpensive and profuse supplies of motor fuel.

The best time to learn about "hybrid car" is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable "hybrid car" experience while it's still free.

It has almost been a century since the electric car has been popularly discussed, but recent developments in the HEV technology and the growing concerns for the environment has revived the drive for an HEV and this has become a realization today.

We can consider the personal means of transportation as a very important bond in the economic chain of today’s modern societies and that a private vehicle appears to be the popular choice.

Electric vehicles are more energy efficient than the contemporary vehicles wherein the electric vehicles operates at approximately 46 percent of effectiveness, while a contemporary vehicle operates at only 18 percent.

There are studies that generally concludes that electric cars with batteries are approximately 10 to 30 percent more efficient with energy than the usual gasoline cars, depending on the exact assumptions of the vehicles energy usage and energy chain efficiency.

The comparisons of the electric vehicles and the conventional vehicles are comparisons between an extremely developed power system that is nearly in the end of its research and development, and the innovative power system in the beginning stages of the development wherein important development can be expected as the new technology evolves.

The advantages of electric powered modes of transportation extends beyond the true outlook of economizing energy. Electric generation plants can use substitute fuels that are not adaptable to portable power systems.

Electric vehicles are the definitive alternative fuel vehicles because their power is taken from the source fuels utilized to produce electricity. Aside from that, the flexibility of the fuel alone can offer important useful and economic advantages especially in relation to a variety of energy resources.

The electric car is truly a promising technology that could transform one's means of transportation into a far more environmentally acceptable type of commodity. Through this innovation emission controls become more important, effective and economically beneficial.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about "hybrid car".



Submitted By: Floyd Dorrance

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Electric Golf Carts

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Call it an electric vehicle (EV) or call it a battery electric vehicle (BEV), but a rose by any other name would still smell sweet if it utilized green technology. Electric cars flourished in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but limitations like low top speeds helped seal their fate. Advances in manufacturing processes of internal combustion engines, the starter motor, increased mileage ranges, and cheaper gasoline production methods all helped to nudge electric cars off the road. Of course there are those who say that big oil was behind the defeat of electric cars. There has been some credence given to these sorts of claims by the fact that GM had developed an electric cars in the 1980's only to have it shelved after pressure from oil companies. With emissions from 600 million vehicles contributing to global warming, hybrid electric cars are the probably the next best alternative we have. Yet companies like Tesla have put pure electric cars back on the map. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are a pleasure to ride. As time goes on more and more car companies will move first to hybrids, but then ultimately to fully electric cars.

Where are all those electric cars?

A completely electric car doesn't yet exist for mainstream commercial use. There is a neighborhood class of electric cars, or personal electric vehicles (PEVs). While the battery can recharge overnight while you sleep, a 30 to 40 mile range isn't likely to sit well even with the little ole' lady from Pasadena.

What about Hybrid Electric Cars?

The practical solution for now is electric hybrids that utilize two fuel sources. Gasoline-electric cars are a cross between a gasoline-powered car and an electric car, and a mild electric hybrid has enhanced performance as a first priority and fuel economy second. 

The Chevrolet Volt, scheduled for production in 2010, is an extended-range electric hybrid car that will use gas or E85 ethanol. Its battery can be recharged while driving, and its estimated driving range is 640 miles. A full electric hybrid pursues optimal fuel economy, and cars like the Toyota Prius Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid fall within this latter category. Since all electric hybrids use some gasoline, it is a compromise, but reduced emissions and minimized shortcomings of the electric car are a start, yet far from the ideal vision of a complete clean fuel car.

Hybrid electric cars also allow for the transition in terms of infrastructure to fully electric propulsion system. Hybrids just might be around until enough electric and /or battery stations are around in order to keep charging the fleet of electric cars. Ultimately as new sources for primary energy (like wind and solar) come on board a greater incentive for manufacturers and consumers to develop and buy pure electric cars may in fact occur. One can only hope as the world faces dire predictions of peak oil and global warming that these vehicles and infrastructure can be developed and built quickly and inexpensively.

Submitted By: Andrew Beckers

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Electric Car Motors

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Anyone can learn how to build an electric car its easy! Many people have done it already and all it takes is a good electric car conversion manual and some keen DIY spirit. 

With the global economy going in a downward spiral it's not a bad thing to look into.So what things do I need to make an electric car?· A descent workspace e.g. Garage, workshop, even outside is good. ·A good step by step electric car plan or manual on how to build an electric car · Handyman Tools - Drills, Wrenches, grinder, etc...· A friend to give you a helping hand.

A good mate can help you with all the tricky bits of holding things in place and helping you install the other parts that can be difficult on your own.Now there is two ways you can convert your car on run on electricity.

Firstly you can do the complete overhaul and take out the petrol engine drive system and replace it with a DC motor and parts but that can take weeks to do and its a very tedious operation to perform.

Secondly you can keep your current engine and install an electric system that can run along with it making it a duel powered gas and electric hybrid.

This can offer several benefits to the driver especially when you run out of gas there is no need to refuel as you can simply switch to the alternate system of electricity and make it to your destination.

Imagine the feeling to drive past the gas station knowing you no longer need to do any emergency refuelling

.Switching to electricity will make your car eco-friendly and even provide a better driving experience with it being quiet.

Also with electric powered car you can enjoy the same speeds of a petrol based car and not lose any power at all.



Submitted By: Pat kaa

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Used Golf Carts for Sale

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Cars pollute, kill the planet and generally are not that green are they not? Here is the latest news from the world of the eco-friendly electric cars trying to prove the car hater wrong. The limited edition Micro-Vett electric 500 is an electric, eco version of the famous Fiat 500. This little green-mobile has a maximum speed of 60mph, a range of 70 miles, and takes 6-8 hours to charge.

Transmission is manual 5-speed but there is an automatic option. It weighs around 1050kg, has four seats, and standard kit includes a radio, CD, MP2 player, Bluetooth and USB, air con, remote central locking, ABS with EBD, 15-inch alloy wheels, drivers airbag, drivers knee airbag, passenger and window airbags. You can also pay extra if you want auto climate control, an electric sunroof, reverse parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a metallic paint finish to your motor. As with many electric cars price unfortunately is on application. But if you have to ask, you clearly cannot afford.

Lotus introduces an electric car that ROARS! The wonders of modern technology, a car that glides seamlessly along with hardly any noise at all. Well that is great if you are the driver or the passenger, but the quiet hybrid or electric cars of today are not so good for pedestrians as people simply do not hear them coming. Lotus has decided to create a technology to bring that oh so thrilling sound, the roar of a well tuned engine, to eco conscious drivers.

The car manufacturer explains that its safe and sound hybrid technology simulates the growl of a combustion engine, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion. It has already put the system into a Toyota Prius, which is one of the most popular hybrid cars on the market. The system produces a pitch and frequency designed to help pedestrians identify the speed and distance of the car. Lotus claim their technology increases pedestrian safety, while retaining the environmental benefits of electric cars.

Shown off at the 2008 motor show, the Lighting car is designed to turn all the heads. Why because it is fast and it is electric. The company claimed the Lightning GTS, which is built in the UK, claims the Lightning can hit 60mph (97kmph) in under four seconds. Instead of one single motor, each wheel has its own giving the most effective power.

Special batteries are used to give the car the power when it needs it rather than a constant speed and you will be able to do a fast charge in around 10 minutes to get you back on the road. The CEO of the company said they are trying to change the perception of what people expect from electric cars. The car will cost around 120,000GBP when it goes on sale so it is up against some real supercar competition.



Submitted By: Shaun Parker

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Electric Cars for Sale

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A hybrid-electric vehicle, or HEV, combines an electrical energy storage system with an occupied means of generating electrical energy, usually through the consumption of some type of fuel. Each type of HEV has its own operating quality and chosen design practices, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

The development of interior ignition engine vehicles, especially in automobiles, is one of the supreme achievements of modern technology as a new rising energy saving and environment -friendly vehicle, that is why the hybrid-electric vehicles were created to give convenience to every human.

In the process of creating the hybrid electric car, the most important is the energy saving and the environmental protection. Wherein nowadays this are the common problems faced by the society.

Having the hybrid-electric car evolved from the electric car. However, the main disadvantage of the electric car is that it is mainly dependent on the batteries. Therefore, has limited range.

First of all, the hybrid electric car was supposed to be an electric vehicle with batteries for power storage and is also equipped with an on-board heat engine-powered generator. This means that this type of hybrid has an extended range.

The heat engine power and the battery power are specifically intended as an important scheme that constantly modulates the excess between the heat engine and the battery power systems. This will also depend on the driving schedule.

Since the beginning of the use of automobiles, electric cars have been already recognized and conceptualized. Even though the electric power train is better in various aspects, as an energy source, the battery was unequal to the superior-energy content, easiness in terms of the handling, and inexpensive and profuse supplies of motor fuel.

Now, it has almost been a century since the electric car has been popularly discussed, but recent developments in the HEV technology and the growing concerns for the environment has revived the drive for an HEV and this has become a realization today.

We can consider the personal means of transportation as a very important bond in the economic chain of current modern societies and that a private vehicle appears to be the popular choice.

Electric vehicles are more energy efficient than the contemporary vehicles wherein the electric vehicles operates at approximately 46 percent of effectiveness, while a contemporary vehicle operates at about 18 percent only.

There are studies that generally concludes that electric cars with batteries are approximately 10 to 30 percent more efficient with energy than the usual gasoline cars, depending on the exact assumptions of the vehicles energy usage and energy chain efficiency.

Certainly, the comparisons of the electric vehicles and the conventional vehicles are comparisons between an extremely developed power system that is nearly in the end of its research and development, and the innovative power system in the beginning stages of the development wherein important development can be expected as the new technology evolves.

Furthermore, the advantages of electric powered modes of transportation extends beyond the true outlook of economizing energy. Electric generation plants can use substitute fuels that are not adaptable to portable power systems.

Electric vehicles are the definitive alternative fuel vehicles because their power is taken from the source fuels utilized to produce electricity. Aside from that, the flexibility of the fuel alone can offer important useful and economic advantages especially in relation to a variety of energy resources.

The electric car is truly a promising technology that could transform one's means of transportation into a far more environmentally type of commodity. Through this innovation emission controls become more important, effective and economically beneficial.



Submitted By: Hilal Abdelwali

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Electric Golf Carts

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Soaring gas prices and environmental concerns, electric cars are becoming popular as an answer to some of the problems of the auto industry. However, do electric cars have a spotless reputation?

Fred is a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though, as a professional he's reported on myriad topics, his favorites are the auto and the healthcare industry. Two platforms he's previously worked on are Themedica and Automotive-Online. He now blogs at: Automobile Hotspot.

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