Electric Smart Cars - Rational Reasons and Results When Buying One

There are many reasons for buying any electric smart car, hybrid electric or plugin hybrid electric vehicle. The soaring costs of gas is likely the biggest and most pressing issue when considering buying an electric car. The environment and the planet is another concern. Whatever the reason, buying any BEV, PHEV or green planet-friendly automobile instead of that fossil-fuel burning internal combustion engine car, we'll certainly have a positive effect on helping save the planet and save you money as well.

In order to make a smart electric car buying decisions, it is important to understand what the different types of electric-powered vehicles, and how smart electric cars work.

There are three types of electric assisted vehicle that utilize an electric motor of some kind. The battery electric vehicle (BEV) is as the name suggests-a battery powered vehicle. There is no other power source for the vehicle, no internal combustion engine (ICE) running on gasoline, and therefore the battery must be charged between uses, and will discharge during use until it runs out. At this point the vehicle can no longer run, so you'll need to be near a charging point before you run out of gas, I mean electric juice.

Two types of hybrid electric vehicles offer the best of both the electric and the ICE vehicle worlds. The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uses an electric motor to either propel the car or to increase the power. Generally the result of this is to extend the distance that it can travel on a tank of fuel, giving the hybrid electric car better fuel economy.

Lastly there is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This runs in a largely similar way to the HEV but with one major difference-the battery can be plugged into a charging point, in order to completely charge the battery to its maximum capacity. The HEV by comparison can only charge its battery with the current generated by its ICE, or through regenerative breaking (a process in which energy is reclaimed during breaking rather than lost). By fully charging the battery the use of electrical power can be prolonged, and the use of gasoline reduced, making the PHEV the more economical of the hybrid electric vehicles.

The drive-train of a BEV is very simple-a battery powers the motor, which propels the electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicles will run an ICE and electric motor either in parallel or in series, with both the ICE and electric motor being able to move the electric or hybrid electric vehicle. A capacitor allows energy to be channeled back into the battery too, and in the case of the PHEV a separate charging circuit like that of the BEV is included to separately charge the hybrid electric vehicle.

There are two types of battery that are used in BEV, PHEV and HEV cars. Nickel metal hydride batteries are an older technology, and one that suffers from battery degradation more quickly than others. Newer, lithium-ion batteries are far more efficient, as well as longer lasting in both electric and hybrid electric vehicles. They don't suffer from memory formation like nickel metal hydride batteries, and tend to be able to provide more power for the engine than the alternative.

Older hybrid electric vehicles may still use lead-acid batteries, but these are generally now considered bad for the environment, and are no longer used.

There are pros and cons to making the move to an electric or hybrid vehicle. They are cheaper to run than ICE cars and have good speed, and hybrid electric vehicles have good range too. But the BEV class can run generally for only up to 40-200 miles, leading to what is known as range anxiety. Hybrid electric vehicles overcome by using the ICE as well, giving vastly superior range.

Another downside is that the batteries wear out and need replacing. This is an expensive part on the car, and on a BEV the battery failure means that the car will completely fail to run. A hybrid at least has its ICE on which to fall back.

However, the overall running costs to the owner are far less than for a vehicle with an ICE. The electric or hybrid electric vehicle has less moving parts and so less chances of failure that needs repair. Fuel efficiency of a hybrid is hugely increased, saving money for every mile driven, and for a BEV is even less as electrical energy is cheaper than gas.

One of the biggest benefits to these vehicles is to the planet. Our oil reserves are finite and dwindling, and their continued use in this way further pollutes the environment. Moving to electric or hybrid electric vehicles will drastically reduce the pollutants emitted, and will slow the rate at which our planet's natural resources are exhausted.

As far as the economy is concerned, electric and hybrid vehicles could be very positive development. The production of large numbers of these vehicles would require the building or converting manufacturing factories, and the hiring of workers to staff the factories. Claims are often made that our economy is heavily reliant on oil, and that moving away from it would destroy us, but the truth is quite different. By embracing these technologies, our economy can shift its dependence from oil onto alternatives, just as our motoring needs do.

An all-electric or hybrid vehicle may cost a little more to insure than a gas vehicle. Though a small saving is possible thanks to the improved risk profile of people who own electric vehicles, other costs are higher. However, repairing electric or hybrid vehicles currently costs more because there are fewer of these vehicles on the road, and because spare parts are less abundant. This increases repair costs, which insurance companies pass on to owners. Savings in running costs can help offset this.

Options are varied when considering purchasing one of these cars, giving potential owners a good range of choice when it comes to the power, size and range of their vehicle. The following are currently available or soon to be released, highway ready environmentally-friendly cars. Full details are not available for some of those cars that are not yet on sale.

The Nissan Leaf is an all electric car doing 100 miles per charge and up to 90 mph, and starting at $33,720. This is a modern looking car with a reasonable range, and a competitive pricing. The Tesla Roaster is also all-electric, with an incredible 245 miles per charge, 125 mph top speed, and costs starting at $101,500. This is a stunning looking car with an equally stunning performance-and a range like no other electric car.

The Smart-ED all-electric model has a 98 mile maximum range, and a top speed of 60 mph. This small car will be perfect for city driving. Starting at $599 a month for a four year lease.

Ford's own all electric car-the Ford Focus has yet to be released but is expected to have a range in excess of 100 miles per charge. This car will be available from late 2011, and looks to provide all of the high-tech options that people may want, in a very stylish exterior. Final price and other details have yet to be released.

Chevrolet's Volt is a PHEV that is capable of speeds of 100 mph. Fuel economy depends on how often you charge the battery, with official figures released at 60 mpg using gas and electric combined. Prices start at $32,780, giving this a reasonable price tag along with good performance.

Toyota's Prius is a PHEV that has an incredible range of 475 miles on a single tank of gas, when using combined gas and the electric motor. Unfortunately, since it won't be available till early 2012 there are no more details regarding performance and pricing.

A full hybrid version of the Toyota Prius is also available, with a base price of $23,520. With a combined mileage of 50mpg and a top speed of 112 mph, it has enough power and efficiency for anyone. This is a tried and trusted hybrid car with a good reputation.

Ford's Fusion has a hybrid version as well, with a starting price of $19,820. With a 700 mile range per full tank of fuel, and 41 mpg, it is powerful and sleek, and has the range to take you wherever you want to go.

The Escalade hybrid from Cadillac is a luxury SUV, and so it's price tag is a little larger, at $74,135. Fuel efficiency is good for an SUV at up to 23 mpg and a range of up to 575 miles per tank. This SUV balances the needs of a larger family with the desire to be a little more environmentally friendly, and does so with incredible style.

J. D. Johnston

Electric Smart Cars

info@electricsmartcars.com

Electric Smart Cars believes providing reliable information about cutting edge electric vehicle technologies makes a positive contribution toward helping save our environment. Electric Smart Cars offers a lively forum for those in the know (and for those who want to be in the know) about "all things electric vehicle". We encourage thorough and informed electric vehicles discussion.

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Benefits Of Buying An Electric Bike

You probably have heard of all of the hype about electric bikes. So what is an electric bike? Well it's basically a bicycle with motor attached to run the vehicle. You guessed it. The motor is electric or battery operated hence the name electric bike, e-bike or electric scooter. E-bikes are a new concept to people living in Western countries even though electric scooters are very popular in countries such as India and China. The first attempts to put motor on the bicycle date as far back as 1860s in Paris. Modern technology e-bikes of course look nothing like their grand ancestors but the concept and the idea behind them still remains the same. They are made for convenience and pleasure of the rider.

So what are the benefits of using this new way of transportation, e-bike?

Freedom to ride one. Electric scooters do not require their riders to purchase insurance or to get a drivers' license. This make e-bikes perfect for students or people with suspended drivers' license (wearing a helmet is required at all times).

Affordability. E-bikes are very affordable to purchase as well as to ride. Average e-bike costs anywhere between US $800.00 to US $3600.00. No insurance policy makes electric scooters a lot cheaper to operate. The parts as well as the repairs of e-bikes are substantially cheaper than on your average motorcycle or vehicle (that is of course if you need any repairs, e-bikes are build to last). Most of the parts are available online and most of the basic repairs could be done by the riders themselves. Because electric scooters are battery operated users save a lot of money on fuel (especially with price of fuel rising through the roof). Not to mention the positive impact electric bikes have on the environment.

Electric bikes are very safe to ride as they are in the same category as bicycles. E-bikes are allowed in the bicycle lane. Being allowed in the bicycle lane also saves its users a lot of time. Never again will they be stuck in traffic and because electric bikes are faster than regular bicycle they are a better alternative of transportation.

Electric scooters' compact and light design makes them perfect for high traffic urban areas. Never will the rider ever have to worry about finding a parking space or storage.

It is clear that e-bikes make perfect alternative transportation method. Especially for these of us who live in high traffic urban areas.

Oleg Galyuk,
GoDavinciGo offers electric bikes, electric scooters, e-bikes and more...
Electric bike, electric scooter

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Think About Some Things Before Buying an Electric Car - Part I

Keeping up the Electric Car costs less.

In the opinion of some people, keeping up the electric car is enormous task to do. But, their opinions have no weight at all.

The structure and components of a gasoline engine consist of several hundred parts and each and every part is vulnerable to be damaged at any time. But, this is not the case with the electric cars. These cars possess merely single progressive part. You don't have to sustain and concentrate on electric motor, nothing to change as filters, oil changing or cooling; in short, no fuss at all.

We can find electric motors almost everywhere, starting from our houses and every room might have different kind of electric motors, from washing machines to blenders, fridge and freezers to can openers. These items do get damaged but the question is, how many times these electric motors cause the problems and are responsible for no work? As the matter of fact, nothing else in the world of technology is more reliable and lasting than an electric motor. That is why the motors in the electric cars work and run for longer time, and the resale percentage is higher in the market.

You must know that the batteries don't long forever and need the change after certain period. Lead-acid batteries are old and a pack of batteries might last for 20 thousand miles and replacing a pack of 16 batteries would take just $800 for the replacement. Thinking about the saving from the fuel point of view, this all costs about 1.5 cents and the overall workable cost is merely 5.5 cents/mile. New batteries with new technology being introduced such as Lithium-ion and nanotechnology in batteries make it a stunning and more effective device with 250,000 miles or maybe till the vehicle itself runs out.

The other repairing works in an electric car are not needed for years. The controller can be reliable as well as other parts connected to it. Same as you work once in a while on brakes and other suspension work, you would need the same with the electric car. And if you got advanced braking system, it would last longer.

Electric Automobiles Help Against Contamination

Process in power plants won't affect much

A general critique would criticize electric automobiles for spreading contamination and pollution through tailpipes to energy stations. In simple words, power plants burn the contaminated material, so the risk of polluting the environment is higher. But this criticism doesn't have weight.

Most of the electric cars are charged at night time and at that time, the energy stations work which means the risk of pollution is lower when the waste processing takes place. The estimations show that there is plenty of waste power and abundance of volume for millions of cars. No new plants would be set up as there is much energy left, so it won't cause spreading pollution by making new power stations.

Even when we may see a boom in electric car industry, it is hoped that they would build some environment-friendly stations to provide fuel. The coal plants which generate energy, are more efficient with 80% than the gasoline engine efficiency of tradition-25%. Higher in efficiency makes electric car helping in reducing pollution.

Let us imagine that the above figures and statistics are not factual, but this is still goes in favor of electric vehicles as electric cars are much more efficient than the typical gasoline cars and waste less energy and doesn't pollute environment as much as gasoline does. To prove this, we can look at the energy or fuel prices for the two kinds. Gasoline makes it 14 cents per mile and can reach to 30 cents which depends on the car quality and gas charges. On the other hand, electric vehicles only take one or two pennies/ mile.

Gasoline process in the firms uses electricity. So, gasoline is responsible for pollution, in the factory, transportation and while you use it. Another benefit of electric cars compared to hydrogen fuel-cells is that the latter is less efficient and produces much pollution and they are comparatively costly than the electric cars.

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Thinking of Buying an Electric Car? Consider How They Can Help Cut Down Household Costs

The electric car is seen as the most environmentally friendly forward move for the car manufacturing industry to keep up with the government's environment targets, green taxes and lower costs for customers. Rising fuel costs mean people find the cost of running cars today difficult. People drive to go to work, drop their kids off at school and go on holiday, so therefore cars are integral to daily life. A way in which to continue this is to invest in an electric car.

There is less fuss with electric cars - you simply plug in, charge and then drive, whilst with normal cars you fill up wait for the cost and release fuel into the atmosphere. More so, electric motors can also help power and can be available from anywhere - another cost saving measure as many normal cars have spare parts at a high cost or need to pay for in depth repairs. By being powered by batteries, they are by far more effective than fuel in terms of friendliness towards the environment, especially as battery manufacturers are developing eco batteries that would slot into electric cars.

The environmental benefits electric cars provide are also a major contributory factor in low costs. The risk of polluting the environment from cars powered by fuel is evidently higher. With electric cars, there will no doubt be electric companies vying over the best deal for them to supply the electricity that your car runs on. These businesses would want to portray themselves as the cheapest electricity supplier and it would be no surprise to see a growth in price comparison websites and business electricity suppliers, these will be in even higher demand if companies start offering electric cars as company cars. Another environmental consideration is that electric cars operate by electric motors rather than a combustible engine, evidently not releasing environmentally damaging gases into the atmosphere.

Another cost incentive is that there are further rewards in the form of tax credits for environmentally friendly cars. This has been rubber stamped as policy in the United States and is being considered by the government in the UK. Zero emissions are becoming a big part of electric cars appeals. These are also coexisting with hybrid cars, whose electrical focus is becoming more and more prominent. They are inexpensive to maintain, lasting longer because of renewable and rechargeable batteries, but also because it is not burning fuel when it is running, and does not require costly oil changes that fuelled powered cars do. More so, you can charge it overnight and therefore not worry about the amount of fuel you have at the beginning of a long journey.

Of course the major advantage is not just zero emissions from the tailpipe but the costs it saves on fuel, refuelling, engine repairs, internal car repairs, cost of batteries and accessibility to an electric motor, many of which are available and has been previously used for different purpose. Combined with finding the cheapest electricity supplier, having this type of vehicle could save consumers money.

The energy efficiency, therefore, of electric cars can help bring costs down, as well as the benefit of zero emissions with the use of batteries and an electric motor. Electric cars, through promotion from government funding, climate groups and environmentally aware vehicle companies, are becoming more and more sought after in an environment where it is costing more to run a car. Today electric cars are a cheaper and more cost effective alternative.

Richard Eden from Banbury, UK writes exclusively for the Energy industry. Richard often provides online reviews, news stories and articles on subjects such as, business gas, business electricity suppliers and gas price comparison.

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