Since middle of 19th century and early 20th century electric cars enjoyed popularity, when electricity was among the preferred methods for automobile propulsion, providing a level of comfort and ease of operation that could not be achieved by the gasoline cars of the time. A small-scale electric car was designed by Professor Stratingh of Groningen, Holland, and built by his assistant Christopher Becker in 1835.
What is an electric car?
One of the answers could be – an electric car is an alternative fuel automobile that uses electric motors and motor controllers for propulsion, in place of more common propulsion methods such as the internal combustion engine. Electric cars are a specifically a variety of electric vehicle intended for use as a road-going automobile. Electric cars are commonly powered by on-board battery packs, and as such are battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Other on-board energy storage methods that are expected to come into use in the future include ultracapacitors, or a spinning flywheel, which stores energy as kinetic energy.
Because oil resources are becoming increasingly rare and oil prices rise, major automobile manufacturers are beginning to investments in green projects, in their cars to function with as little fuel or, at best case, cars that work with electricity. In this article we present electric cars.
Honda EV-N – an electric concept car
Honda EV-N is an concept car displayed at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The EV-N is an all-electric vehicle which features a roof covered in solar panels to help top up the onboard battery. The Vehicles simple retro styling was inspired by the Honda N360, an ultra-compact micro car Honda released in the 1960s. The concept vehicle integrates the Honda UX-3 personal mobility unicycle into the passenger side door panel.
The retro-styled battery-powered car features a compact design, making it an ideal vehicle for the city roads.
Mercedes SLS gullwing – an electric car from Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz will build an electrically powered version of its upcoming SLS gullwing coupe. The EV version of the SLS will drive all four wheels by means of an individual motor for each corner. It will not however use wheel hub motors, since those add too much unsprung mass. The motors will be mounted just inboard of the suspension components.
The zero-emission supercar, tentatively named the SLS AMG eDrive, will feature four electric motors with a combined output of 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque. This will enable the electric SLS to rocket from 0-100 km/h in around 4 seconds, which puts it on par with the standard 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 powered (571 hp and 650 Nm) SLS that accomplishes the same task in 3.8 seconds.
No range is being quoted at this time, but given that the battery capacity is lower than the Tesla Roadster and the car is larger, it will likely be well under 200 miles. No timeline for the electric version is being quoted, although earlier rumors placed it at 2015.
In a statement, Mercedes-AMG GmbH’s CEO Volker Mornhinweg said, “With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car. For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMG performance.”
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept is an electric car from BMW, and the car was presented on show at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.
Making use of electric motors requires some electrical energy system. Here BMW’s new concept has an arrangement similar to the Chevrolet Volt using a lithium-polymer battery pack running down the center tunnel of the car. Also similar to the Volt, the pack has a usable capacity of 8.6 kWh. However, the total capacity is just 10.8 kWh. BMW claims the pack used in the concept can use 80% of its capacity, considerably more than the 50% that the Volt uses. The upside is that the pack weighs just 187 pounds. When plugged into a standard European 220 V / 16 A outlet, the battery can be charged in just 2.5 hours.
“BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the result of a “clean-sheet” development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the most comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car’s emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.”
Audi e-tron electric concept car
Audi e-tron electric concept car from Audi, another concept car which was presented on Frankfurt 2009. The Audi e-tron Concept, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors – two each at the front and rear axles – drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 – 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly usable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometers.
“The Audi team therefore focused its attention on the total vehicle, which is reflected in the comprehensive requirement specification.
• The reduction of road resistances and the resulting increase in range plays a major role with electric vehicles. Lightweight construction was therefore a top priority for the e-tron concept car. The body, in particular, combines low weight with supreme strength and rigidity. An intelligent aerodynamics concept with active elements helps to reduce consumption.
• The package ensures the safe integration of the electric drive system and the battery. Placing the battery in front of the rear axle ensures an optimal axle load distribution without compromising the compact overall design and the generous amount of interior space.
• Advanced battery technology enables a practical range. The battery system is water-cooled for optimal performance and service life.
• A needs-based energy management system controls all functions for the chassis, convenience equipment and other auxiliary consumers.
• The innovative thermal management system with optimally matched cooling and heating components considers the cooling requirements of the battery and the drive system in addition to the interior temperature.
• Driving dynamics and road comfort are what Audi customers have come to expect in the sports car segment.
• Vehicle safety is on par with the best of today’s production vehicles.
• The driver is provided with clear and comprehensive information.
• The e-tron concept car uses car-to-x communication technology developed by Audi to improve the efficiency of conventionally powered vehicles. For example, information about traffic light cycle times and the flow of traffic – provided by the infrastructure and other vehicles – is used to compute an optimal driving strategy. Audi has already modeled such a solution in Ingolstadt as part of its “travolution” project.”
Nissan LEAF electric car
The third largest Japanese car manufacturer and its French partner Renault led an aggressive policy to support electric motor vehicles, announcing plans to move to mass production of such cars, in 2012. Leaf can reach a top speed exceeding 140 km / h and has a range of at least 160 km.
Chrysler’s GreenEcoMobility Electric Car
Chrysler has announced a new green transportation vehicle that is eco friendly, being emission free, using electric power rather than petroleum derivatives. The car features iPod and iPhone integration, where the latter doubles as a mobile phone hands free feature too. The Peapod is small, yet available in 2-seater, 4-seater and 6-seater models.
Chrysler have announced their intention to market an electric commercial truck and a larger city electric vehicle too. The PeaPod cars have a top speed of 25 miles per hour and a range of up to 30 miles per charge. However, the charging time is roughly 6 to 8 hours via an 110V outlet.
I think the most pratical car for me would be the Nissa Leaf. It can be good for me while I’m single, good for when I have kids, and good for when I’m done with kids.
I’m all for the new technology, but there were a few good points made. I still need to see greater than 300 miles and how long will the battery last? Is it like other advanced batteries i.e. I need a new battery in a year or two and it’s 3/4’s the cost of the car itself?
Just some considerations, but it’s a good step forward. Who cares what it looks like. Practicality people.