| Over the past few years, you have probably heard a | | | | continuously. This onboard charging system allows for |
| lot of discussion about electric cars. The most | | | | continued travel without having to stop to charge the |
| common of the latest electric cars are the gas-electric | | | | batteries and reduced vehicle weight through the use |
| hybrids that boast fuel efficiency of 45 mpg and | | | | of a smaller battery bank. The concert of hybrid |
| higher. These hybrids feature the benefits that | | | | power began in the early part of the 20th century, as |
| consumers indicated to manufacturers that they | | | | the diesel engine was adapted for use in locomotives |
| wanted. These include high gas mileage, reduced | | | | by using diesel-electric power. |
| emissions, quietness, and long range that utilizes an | | | | While hybrid cars give drivers the benefits discussed |
| existing system of fuel distribution. | | | | above, they are still a compromise between fossil fuel |
| There are other options for electric cars, each having | | | | and truly pollution free vehicles. The trade-off is a |
| advantages and disadvantages. What most would | | | | limited range of driving before the electric cars |
| consider a true electric car would carry no engine | | | | batteries must be recharged. A totally electric car |
| utilizing fossil fuel. Instead, it would carry a bank of | | | | does not create pollutants directly. By using electricity |
| batteries and rely on recharging of the batteries while | | | | from the utility grid, the electric car does generate a |
| parked and/or utilize solar or another alternate source | | | | small amount of pollution. A few people who have built |
| of electricity. | | | | electric cars for personal use have also built solar |
| A diesel-electric hybrid is another option that would | | | | powered recharging systems, thereby eliminating any |
| closely mirror the gas-electric hybrids currently | | | | pollution whatsoever. |
| available. The major reasons they have not been | | | | Scientists are competing continuously to develop |
| commercially available are the higher initial cost of | | | | batteries that are lighter weight in relation to the energy |
| diesel engines and emissions restrictions. While diesel | | | | stored. At the same time, they must keep in mind the |
| engine technology has advanced to provide quiet and | | | | potential for fire or explosion as well as environmental |
| powerful engines, automakers could not meet Federal | | | | concerns such as the use of toxic materials. The |
| emissions standards until a new, cleaner formulation of | | | | technology for solar electricity production is also |
| diesel fuel became mandatory at the beginning of | | | | becoming more efficient. It is possible that in the future, |
| 2009. | | | | totally electric cars will be have an unlimited range |
| The idea of electric vehicles is not new and, in fact has | | | | through the use of lightweight batteries and onboard |
| been around since the early days of the automobile. | | | | solar recharging systems. |
| Battery technology was the biggest problem and | | | | Hybrid gas-electric cars are available from some of |
| continues to be an obstacle today. Batteries are | | | | the new car dealers. True electric cars remain the |
| heavy in relation to the energy they carry. In order for | | | | realm of small companies and individuals who convert |
| a car to travel any appreciable distance, a large | | | | gasoline powered cars to electricity. Those who drive |
| percentage of the car's weight is comprised of the | | | | electric cars have found that the limited range, normally |
| battery bank. | | | | 80 - 100 miles, is not an issue for commuting to work |
| Gas-electric hybrid cars use their gasoline engine in | | | | and running errands. Most families have a second car |
| conjunction with a generator to recharge the batteries | | | | capable of traveling longer distances. |