It is time to get serious about producing an Electric car that is practical. Today we are at the brink of a new automotive revolution. Electric technology has reached the point where we can put a practical electric car into full production, a car that will surpass the convenience of its internal combustion cousins. Don't believe me? Let me list just some of the technologies that make it possible TODAY. Read on.
1. Lithium Polymer Batteries.
Today used as an add-on power supply for lap top computers. Extremely high power density for size, super light weight and very thin. Learn more about them from one of the manufacturers http://www.electrovaya.com of Toronto, Canada. The company was originally called ElectroFuel having developed the technology to advance the cause of Electric Vehicles, something which they still wish to do. Lithium Polymer batteries have a unique aspect to them. Currently they are very expensive, however, they are inexpensive to manufacture. As competition heats up, prices will drop. Since the batteries are very thin they can be stored in the car so as not to encroach on passenger space. You can store enough batteries in the walls, floor and other areas of an electric car to give you five hours of operation on a good sized electric motor. Giving you a range of 250 miles without all the help I talk about below.
2. Regenerative Braking Systems.
Honda's Insight and Toyota's Prius use regenerative braking as the sole source of electricity for their well known Hybrid cars. Regenerative braking turns braking energy into electric energy and feeds it to the batteries. It does this instead of turning braking energy into heat energy which is what traditional brakes do. Currently Honda and Toyota convert 50% of the braking energy into electricity. 50% is used up the old fashioned way, heat. More sophisticated designs can bring this number well over 60%.
3. Computerized Power Control Systems.
Computerized Power Controls manage the energy coming in from various sources for optimal efficiency. It helps maintain batteries so they can always accept the maximum charge. With a computerized Power Controller all electric energy from solar panels, braking or your home is routed to do the most good. For example, energy from the solar cells can be routed to recharge batteries, maintain speed or use an accessory like a radio. The Computerized Power Control System gives you the maximum use of the energy stored in the batteries or generated by the electric car's brakes and solar cells. Currently Computerized Power Control Systems are used in cell phones, power grids and to maintain sophisticated computer networks.
4. Pulse Energy Technology.
Developed by Minn Kota for their electric trolling motors, this technology uses momentum to reduce electric draw. By turning on and off the electricity to an electric motor many thousand times a second, the energy saved, without any noticeable loss of power, can reach as high as 50%. Other controllers use the same approach but only Minn Kota has managed to get 8 hours of trolling from a standard deep cycle battery. This could be translated into an electric car for highway travel.
5. Solar Cells.
Solar cells on the roof, front dashboard and back window ledge, and possibly the front hood and back trunk lid of a car can do much to add energy to your car's systems. Just think about it, leaving your car out in the sun will help charge the batteries. On long trips in sunshine, solar panels can add miles to your range. Solar cells are already being used to maintain batteries and handle climate control on standard luxury cars and boats.
6. Automatic Connect Charging Systems.
Electric cars have limited range, so anything that you can do to give you the maximum range is advantageous. Automatic Connection Charging Systems connect the vehicle to an electric source like an outlet automatically. There have been several approaches tried. In Norway experimenters put an induction coil into a parking spot and the corresponding coil under the car. Induction charging is charging that can be done without metal to metal contact. Some ideas that I have thought of are a robot arm that finds a connection on the car, or some other mechanical devise that automatically pops-up or you drive into that connects your electric car to the electric source. Since it is automatically done when you pull into your driveway or reserved parking spot, you don't have to think about when you last charged the car. This concept of automatic charging gives you, the electric car owner, the peace of mind of always having the maximum range available to you when ever you go to use your electric car.
7. Air Compression Braking and Acceleration Assist Systems.
This is a system that turns braking energy into compressed air. The compressed air is then used to move the car from a complete stop using the same technology used in compressed air power tools. You know the tools; they are used by race car pit crews to take off the wheels in a pit stop. You know the ones that make the bureeeeperrr sound. Most of the energy in any type of vehicle is used when trying to move the vehicle again after coming to a complete stop. This technology reduces the amount of electricity lost for just getting the car moving. Thus conserving battery power and adding miles to your cars range. Ford has created a prototype pickup truck that uses this technology to reduce gasoline consumption.
8. Advanced Low Power Heating and Cooling Systems.
Various systems have been developed for electric vehicles. The technology developed for Pivco/Th!nk, by a company called Glacier Bay, is a super efficient heat pump. Another technology used for cooling and warming seats developed by a California firm for Reva of India, can be used in tandem for a very luxurious heating and cooling experience. Both systems use only tiny amounts of electricity.
By using these and other technologies we can produce an electric car that is practical and can compete with internal combustion engine vehicles. Let us gather together our brains and resources and make this happen. Give a toot don't pollute.
All of the technologies that I have listed above exist today. Used together they can extend the range of an electric car to 10 or more hours of operation on a single charge. Yes I said 10 hours or more. So take that cross country trip. Drive 95 down to Florida. Go visit your Auntie in Peoria. Go west young man. Drive to your hearts content. And remember the Alamo but also remember to book a motel near the Alamo that has an electric outlet.