Electric Cars - It's Not Easy Being Green - Yet!

Many electric car automotive decision-makers, our own government included, believe that persistent electric vehicle hype, spiced with a viral marketing approach to the electric transportation revolution, will single-handedly spell success for the electric car. They trust that these alone will be the strategic components to influence prospective buyers of electric and plug-in hybrids. But will they truly be enough? We think not!

Various experts have a mindset similar to the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams - if you build it, they will come. This may not, however, be the case for the electric car. While Kevin Czinger, CEO of CODA Automotive, an electric car and battery designer and manufacturer, calls these first buyers early adapters, others may call them lab rats.

Getting electric vehicles on our roads is certainly one way to elevate buyer awareness. Potential buyers talking to friends and sharing knowledge about their potential new EVs will certainly accelerate EV sales, as will the construction of charging stations in parking lots, stores, and workplaces. Unfortunately, however, the correct solution to the problems posed by the necessary staging, promotion, and direly needed sales of this innovative mode of greener transportation lies somewhere between 'It's Not Easy Being Green' and 'Green with Envy'!

As of now, the electric car-buying public is truly perplexed. To many of us, this is frightening technology with unfamiliar terminology. Even the electric car window sticker is confusing with too many new and different terms and no less than three different methods used by the EPA to estimate miles per gallon.

Another hurdle is the installation of home charging stations. This procedure fluctuates in cost among states and cities, depending greatly on the buyer's location as well as the company performing the installation.

All the players within the electric car industry must keep in mind that the purchase of a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases we ever make. In order for the all-electric vehicle and its counterpart the plug-in electric hybrid to reach the mainstream within the automotive industry, a multitude of puzzles need to be solved to jump-start the electric car revolution.

So far, today's electric automobile owners - early adapters - are either green-conscious by nature or are the few who have waited for green car technology and welcome it. Up to this point, the majority of EV buyers have been part of one or both of these two groups! Based on industry surveys, the principal motives for buying electric cars have been either to reduce our dependency on foreign oil or a fascination with the technological innovation behind these cars.

If you trust the gossip, you'd think electric vehicles and plug-in electric hybrids have taken over the roads, we've been liberated from foreign oil, climate-change is a thing of the past, and our planet has been saved. Regrettably, however tenacious the gossip may be, it's tough to argue with the numbers. Nissan reported that they would sell 25,000 Leafs in 2011. General Motors said they'd sell 15,000 Volts in the model's first year. The fact is that Chevy has only sold roughly 2,500 plug-in hybrid Volts. The Leaf, by Nissan, is a just few cars off their pace with sales of nearly 2,200 models so far.

It has become painfully obvious that buyers from around the world, especially Americans, are still apprehensive with respect to purchasing electric vehicles. The automotive buying-public needs to be educated; the buyers' nervousness in relation to the technology and EV's in general needs to be addressed and eliminated. Automotive executives, government agencies, and green organizations must instruct the public about the electric vehicle market, familiarizing them with the technology.

Currently, there are more questions than answers regarding the success or failure of the electric car. It's truly not going to be easy being green.

If you have questions about this revolutionary new breed of technology, please browse through the articles on our site to help start yourself on the road toward becoming informed. Please also feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

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".

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Alternative Fuel Source Conversions For Cars

In these days of rising fuel costs, and environmental concerns associated with the emissions traditional vehicles produce, many of us are looking for alternative fuel source conversions for cars. Whilst there are already several choices for new vehicles, that are both cheaper to run and low emission too, buying a brand new vehicle is not a viable option for most of us due to the cost. The good news is there are many things we can all do to our current vehicle to make it greener, and also make it less demanding on our pocket when it comes to filling it with fuel. Below are four of the most common options.

1. Bio Fuel:

Bio alternatives to fossil fuel are by far the easiest way to go. They are made from renewable sources, and there are options available for both petrol and diesel cars.

A petrol car can run on ethanol or an ethanol and petrol mix. A conversion for it to run on pure ethanol will require modification to the engine's compression ratio and other adjustments, although a modern gasoline engine can run on a blend containing 20% ethanol without change.

A diesel car can use bio-diesel, this is a form of fuel produced using vegetable based oils. A pure bio-diesel burning engine produces 80% less emissions, and a modern diesel engine can use it without modification. Older engines will need to be converted, as the natural rubber seals in them will be degraded over time.

Both ethanol blend gasoline and bio-diesel are currently available from many gas stations, so you could make the switch today.

2. Compressed Gas:

Most petrol engines can run on compressed gas, the gas used is called LPG or liquid petroleum gas. It is produced as a byproduct of crude oil distillation, however it can also be produced synthetically.

To use this type of gas your vehicle will need to be converted. Usually the fuel tank will be replaced with a cylinder to hold the fuel, and a gas regulator will be fitted to the engine. The car will still have its traditional fuel tank, and will still start using normal fuel, this is because it takes time for the gas to feed in, which can cause starting problems especially when the engine is cold. If you are a keen DIY mechanic you can get a kit and do this conversion yourself.

3. Hydrogen:

There are kits available that you can fit to your car which produce hydrogen from water. They do this through a process called electrolysis. This gadget is then fed into the fuel flow, and the theory is that this hydrogen gas is burned by the engine and increases your fuel economy. The effectiveness of these systems are doubtful, and you are better off following another route.

4. Pure Electric:

The last option is to convert your current car to electric. Home kits and plans are available to help you to do this. Basically the engine of your car is replaced by an electric motor, and the fuel tank is replaced by a bank of rechargeable batteries. If you feel that the task is too much for you to complete on your own, then you can get this done professionally.

The accelerator pedal becomes a switch, and as an electric motor produces full torque from the start, no gear box is needed. As well as this there is no cooling system or oil lubrication required. Due to this fact, an added advantage of an electric vehicle is the reduced maintenance costs, in addition to lower fuel costs.

As you can see there are several choices open to you when considering alternative fuel source conversions for cars. The one you choose will depend on your available funds, as well as the way you use your vehicle. Whatever method you choose should pay for itself in cost savings on fuel over time, and you will have the satisfaction that you are doing your bit for a cleaner and greener planet.

Home Electric Car Conversion:

Did you know that most cars or trucks can be converted into an electric vehicle (EV)? Find the most comprehensive, and easy to follow, electric car conversion plans, by visiting our how to build an electric car site at www.how-to-build-an-electric-car.blogspot.com/.

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Are Automotive MPG Regulations Killing Car Innovation for the Consumer?

Should lawmakers, and the Obama Administration increase regulations on the miles per gallon that each individual car gets? Some automobile designers are complaining because if the cars have to get really good gas mileage, then there are only a few types of designs that cars can possibly have. A teardrop shaped car would get the best gas mileage above about 55 miles per hour. But if every car looks the same, then no one will have a car with any individuality that the person can stake their claim too.

In other words every BMW, Ford, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda, GM, Chrysler, Tata, or BYD will all basically look the same. The chance for individual differentiation by any one car maker basically goes out the window. There was an interesting article not long ago on WardsAuto Auto Industry Online News Website which asked a tough question; "Are Aerodynamic Requirements Killing Automotive Design" written by Byron Pope and published on June 20, 2011.

After I read this article, I decided to make a comment about it, and as I was preparing my outline to create this article, I noticed that in the news today, June 27, 2011 - the Obama Administration has asked for more regulation, and potential legislation to require that all automobiles by the year 2025 maintain an average of 52.5 miles per gallon.

It seems to me that this is possible, considering in the future we will have carbon nanotube and graphene coated composites. This will mean the vehicles will be more than substantially lighter in weight, because carbon composites can easily be made 20 times lighter than steel. That means the frame, body, and other support structures within the car won't weigh very much at all. Also very thin carbon nanotube construction can be used for the glass, and the glass on an average SUV weighs 600 pounds.

If we start removing 600 pounds of glass, and 1500-2500 pounds worth of steel from an average SUV, it is quite a bit lighter, therefore it will take less fuel, and even a smaller engine to propel it. Likewise, there are several new types of engines being created right now which are up to 30% more efficient. And even tires are becoming more efficient, one trucking company tire manufacture is producing a tire which is 4% more efficient right now.

As you start adding up all these efficiencies, we will have the technologies to make cars which get substantially better fuel mileage. As the price of fuel goes up, less fuel will be used, and the free-market will dictate, along with the buyers and businesses that the vehicles get better mileage. Personally I'm not so sure we need to mandate that, or put forth a regulation, we should let the free market decide.

And yes as the article above pointed out aerodynamics is a significant part of fuel economy and efficiency. Anytime you reduce the coefficient of drag, especially over 55 miles an hour, where it makes a big difference, you reduce the wind resistance, thus requiring less energy to propel the car forward. Just as in a jet airplane.

And let's say a new car design is found to be very efficient, it will not be more than 1 to 2% efficient than a teardrop, and then there will only be two basic body styles; the new design, or a teardrop, take your pick. Not much choice there. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,777 articles by 7 PM on June 27, 2011 is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

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Charging Your Electric Car

You might be thinking of buying one of those new-fangled electric cars, and may be wondering how they're charged. That depends on which car you buy. The three main electric cars (electric vehicles or "EVs") currently available for middle income families are the Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt, and Nissan Leaf.

Toyota Prius. Let's say you buy a Toyota Prius. The Prius is a "hybrid." A hybrid isn't fully electric. It runs on electricity generated by a battery until the battery is depleted. Then, it turns to burning gasoline. In the case of the Prius, a 2010 model drives about 12 miles on a fully charged battery. But the Prius is continuously recharging the battery with a mechanism triggered by stepping on the brakes.

On the downside, the Prius currently doesn't come with a "plug in" option. That means you can't plug it into an electric outlet to charge its battery. However, Toyota is partnering with the EV company, Tesla, to develop a plug-in model that will be available in 2012.

Chevy Volt. The Chevy Volt, which started deliveries in the U.S. in December 2010, is also a hybrid. Unlike the Prius, the battery is not charged when you brake, but by plugging into the electric grid. It has a range of around 35 miles before it must start burning gasoline.

Nissan Leaf. The Nissan Leaf is currently the only all-electric EV available for middle income families. It can't burn gasoline, but runs only on its battery. It has a range of about 100 miles before you need to start looking for an electric outlet.

HOW DO YOU CHARGE A PLUG-IN ELECTRIC CAR?

Level 1 Charging. Both the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf come with a charging cord, called a "Level 1 Charger," as standard equipment. It looks like an extension cord. You can charge your car by plugging the Level 1 Charger into an electrical outlet in your garage or carport.

The advantage of Level 1 charging is that it's simple and inexpensive to set up. Hire an electrician to install an outlet in your garage or carport. It will need to be on a dedicated circuit, meaning that no other appliances, like a washer, for example, are on the same circuit. The outlet will need to be the safety version usual in garages and outdoors (a GFI). Also, your electrician will need to check whether your electrical panel should be upgraded in size to handle the increased power demand.

Once the outlet is installed, the EV driver pulls out the Level 1 charging cord that comes with the car, starts charging, and lets the car sit... for a long time. A Chevy Volt battery takes 10 hours from empty to full; a Nissan Leaf takes 20 hours.

Even though Level 1 charging is slow, drivers who have short commutes may be satisfied with it because, if they work it right, they won't start at empty. They'll have charge left in their batteries and will simply top off at night.

Here's how it can work. The 100-mile range of the Nissan Leaf is a lot more than the 33 miles the average American drives daily. If you drive the average 33 miles, you will use only one-third of the battery in a day. If you religiously plug in when arriving home, you will be able to top off at night and leave with a full charge in the morning.

For hybrids, like the Chevy Volt, the issue of leaving home fully charged is less pressing. At about 35 miles, when the battery hits empty, it turns to burning gas. This isn't good for gas usage, but on the other hand, the driver may suffer less from "range anxiety."

Level 2 Charging. While you may be able to make Level 1 charging work for you, you also have the option of faster charging by installing a special Level 2 Charger in your garage or carport. A Level 2 charger takes a Chevy Volt battery from completely empty to completely full in four hours; eight hours for the Nissan Leaf. So, even if you totally drain your battery, with a Level 2 Charger, you'll be able to fill it by morning.

A Level 2 charger requires 240 volts, which is more powerful than house current. A Level 2 Charger is housed in a container about 18 inches around and hangs on the garage wall, sticking out about a foot. When you recharge with a Level 2 charger, it looks very much like filling your tank with gas. You stretch a "hose" over to the recharging socket built into the EV.

A Level 2 Charger is usually purchased when you buy your electric car. If you wish, Nissan or Chevy can arrange the purchase and installation. Nissan has partnered with AeroVironment to supply and install chargers. Chevy Volt has partnered with SPX. When a Leaf, for example, is purchased, the Nissan dealer arranges for an AeroVironment electrical contractor to look over the new owner's garage, provide a bid, and do the installation.

The car buyer is free to look for a lower bid from an independent electrical contractor; however, warranties and follow-up repairs on the charger may not be as advantageous.

Consumer Reports estimates that purchase and installation of a Level 2 Charger costs about $2,000. However, the price can vary quite a bit, depending on the distance of the charger from your electrical panel and on whether you need an upgrade of your panel size to accommodate the additional power demands of the charger.

THE FUTURE OF CHARGING YOUR ELECTRIC CAR

Level 3 chargers that can fully charge a Nissan Leaf in 15-30 minutes are currently available in Japan. However, they cost about $45,000 installed. When they come to the U.S., they will most likely be installed for electric trucks, company fleets, or for private cars at shopping malls and at gas stations, where EVs will zip in and out to top off their batteries.

An even faster system is currently being installed in Israel. A Palo Alto company called "Better Place" is building a network of "carwashes." Only, when you drive your EV in, instead of getting a wash job, your spent battery is pulled out and within a couple of minutes, is replaced with a fully charged battery.

The pressure to be fully charged when leaving home will ease as chargers are increasingly installed in public places in the U.S. In my hometown, Los Angeles, Level 2 Chargers are already available in train stations, the main airport (LAX), the L.A. Convention Center, and other public places. One can easily find the network of existing public chargers on-line. In addition, malls will begin installing Level 2 or Level 3 Chargers as an inducement for shoppers and workplaces as an employment benefit.

In time, you'll be able to recharge your battery while you shop or work. While we're not there yet, we already have some workable charging options. You can buy a hybrid, like a Prius or Chevy Volt, top off your battery daily with the Level 1 Charger that comes free with your car, or for those with longer commutes or who want more convenience and back up, install a Level 2 Charger.

Publishing Rights: You may republish this article in your web site, newsletter, or e-book, on the conditions that you agree to leave the article completely intact, including the author's name, and that you credit the article to the links in the Resource Box and keep these links active.

Kim Hopkins has been a Los Angeles electrician since 1979. His company, The Electric Connection at http://www.theelectricconnection.com/, is one of the foremost electrical contracting companies in the L.A. area. One of the specialties of The Electric Connection is installing chargers for electric cars. For a $25 off coupon on your first electrical job as well as other coupons, go to http://www.theelectricconnection.com/coupon.php.

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Alternative Fuel - Run Your Car on Water

For many years some of the smartest minds in the world have worked tirelessly over the subject of trying to figure out a way to cut gas dependency and reduce the harmful carbon emissions that it produces, many suggested using a conversion kit on a vehicle in which to enable the car to run on water. As would be expected, many people thought it was an outrageous and unachievable task.

So is it true that you can run your car on water? The answer is simply, yes, you can in fact run your car on water.

The process requires an installation of a hydrogen generator which is used to electrolyze water that is stored in a tank located under the car's hood. The water is converted into HHO which is captured and transferred into the engines intake where it mixes with the fuel. This mixture burns more efficiently which improves gas mileage and reduces harmful emissions.

More and more drivers are actually beginning to look this method and alternative to gasoline because of the outrageous prices. What most of these people do not know is that they running their car on water is an actuality and many people are actually doing it now in order to avoid high gas prices and at the same to greatly increase their mileage.

So the question is would you like to run your car on water and save TONS of money on gas? I know, it seems like an obvious question but many people are skeptical and won't give this post a second glance, but for those of you who actually would like to take advantage of converting your car to run on water, you will not be sorry!

Well these guys came up with an ingenious way to convert their cars from gas guzzling machines to clean water powered efficient vehicles! There process was such a breakthrough it caught the attention of several news stations and as imagined, their method spread like wildfire!

You may be wondering what exactly are the benefits of running your car on water?

Slash Fuel Costs- You will save up to 40% GUARANTEED!Increase Fuel Economy - Increase MPG by 30%-105%No Special Fuel Sources- Run your car on tap water!Increase Vehicle Performance- No more engine build up!Incredibly Easy to Install- Easy to follow step by step guide!

BONUS!

Tax Refund - Run your car on water and you will qualify for a Environmental/Green technology tax refund!

So if rising gas prices are sucking your wallet dry or if you have a concern to preserve the environment, the Water Conversion Kit is PERFECT for you!

Find more information on the conversion kit at AltFuel.info

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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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Electric Car Rebates and Tax Credits

If you buy an electric car now, you can benefit from rebates and tax credits. These financial incentives are time-sensitive and change from year to year. They are being offered to early adopters to "break the ice." While this article focuses on Los Angeles, it can get you started on finding out about the rebates and tax credits available in your part of the country.

People are calling them "electric cars" or "Electric Vehicles" or "EVs." I'll use the terms interchangeably.

What financial incentives are available for purchase of electric cars? If you purchase an electric car in 2011, you may be able to reduce your federal tax bill by $2,500 to $7,500 with a tax credit. Other tax credits are also available. Converting your Prius or other non-plug-in hybrid to a plug-in can reduce your federal tax bill by 10% of the cost of the conversion. Purchase of an electric motorcycle or low-speed "around the neighborhood" electric cart can reduce your federal tax bill by up to $2,500.

Californians who buy an EV and act quickly enough can qualify for a rebate from the State of up to $5,000 on an electric car and up to $20,000 on a commercial vehicle. These rebates apply to many kinds of electric vehicles, including all-electric, hybrid, motorcycles, and low-speed "around the neighborhood" carts.

What rebates are available for installing an electric charger? Electric cars come equipped with a charging cord as standard equipment. This is called a "Level 1" charger. It charges an all-electric Nissan Leaf in about 20 hours and a hybrid Chevy Volt (which has an auxiliary gas-burning engine) in about 10 hours.

To charge your car faster, you need to buy and install a Level 2 charger in your garage or carport. A Level 2 charger works more than twice as fast as a Level 1 charger. With a Level 2 charger, you can easily take your electric vehicle from empty to full overnight. A homeowner who installs a Level 2 electric charger can receive a 2011 tax credit of 30% of the cost of the purchase and installation, with a cap of $1,000. This means that you can reduce your 2011 tax bill by 30% of what you spent on purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger, up to a $1,000 tax cut.

If you are a customer of the L.A. Department of Water and Power (LADWP), you may qualify for a $2,000 rebate on installation of your electric charger. To qualify, you need to also install a separate electric meter for your new car. Ask your electrician to see if you will save money with this approach.

Does EV charging receive any special break in electric rates? In Los Angeles and many areas of the country, yes. In L.A., both Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offer special reduced rate plans for charging EVs at night, during off-peak hours.

Both power companies encourage people thinking of buying an EV or installing a charger to contact them. Call (800) DIAL-DWP or call SCE at (800) 4EV-INFO. SCE has extensive information on its website at http://www.sce.com/PowerandEnvironment/PEV/default.htm. Both companies are particularly interested in customer plans regarding EVs because they need information for planning power demand.

Are there any other incentives for electric car owners? Some states, like California, provide a sticker to qualifying electric car owners so that they can drive in freeway carpool lanes regardless of the number of occupants.

Where can I get more information? Here's a link to EDTA, an industry organization for electric transportation, http://goelectricdrive.com/Incentives.aspx where you can find out more about incentives in L.A. and also check out incentives for electric cars in other zip codes.

Why are governments and utilities offering financial incentives for purchasing electric cars? Driving an electric car, rather than a gas burner, is one of the best ways to wean our country off oil and to help the environment. We Americans use 60% of the oil that we consume in our vehicles. That's approximately the amount of oil that we import each year. So, if we stopped burning oil in our cars, we wouldn't need to import foreign oil. Electric cars also give us the ability to transition to clean and renewable sources of electric energy like solar and wind.

Kim Hopkins has been a Los Angeles electrician since 1979. His company, The Electric Connection at http://www.theelectricconnection.com/, is one of the foremost electrical contracting companies in the L.A. area. One of the specialties of The Electric Connection is installing chargers for electric cars. For a $25 off coupon on your first electrical job as well as other coupons, go to http://www.theelectricconnection.com/coupon.php.

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