The evolution of the automobile
industry has been the biggest threat to the environment. With the number of car
owners increasing, environmentalists were concerned about the air pollution and
world’s energy resources. Keeping in mind the world energy conservation, energy
source shortage, the number of resources left and environmental pollution, the
idea of electric vehicles was appreciated and gained worldwide recognition.
There was a need for alternative fueled vehicles to reduce the problems of
exhaust emissions from internal combustion engines and to reduce the dependency
on imported foreign crude oil. And hence electric vehicles came into the
picture.
History of electric vehicle
Here’s a brief history of how
electric vehicle came into existence.
The first electric
vehicle was built by Robert Anderson between 1832 and 1839 and it was the first
crude electric carriage.
In 1896, A l Ryker built an electric tricycle. Lead acid
batteries were connected under the seat and a 40 volt and one horsepower electric
motor gave power to the vehicle.
In 1890, Morrison
built a six passenger wagon which included 24 storage battery cells mounted
under the front seat.
There was a decline in production
of electric vehicles in the early 1920s. Later, in 1960s electric vehicles
reappeared as internal combustion engines were creating an unhealthy
environment for the people in America.
WHY ELECTRIC VEHICLES?
An electric vehicle is propelled
by an electric motor and is powered by rechargeable battery packs. So basically,
an electric car or vehicle has an electric motor, a controller and a
rechargeable battery. The battery provides the required power to the motor and
motor drives the vehicle.
There’s a demand for electric vehicles because
of the growing concerns for the environment and energy resources. Also,
researches in this domain show that compared to gasoline powered vehicles,
electric vehicles are considered to be ninety-seven percent cleaner. The carcinogens
and particulate matter emitted by the gas powered vehicles can increase
respiratory problems and asthama. It definitely eliminates the emission of
carbon monoxide in air which pollutes the environment. The carbon dioxide
released into air is also responsible for global warming and ozone layer
depletion.
The emissions from the gas
powered vehicles have proved to be very harmful for the respiratory system and
some of them are even carcinogenic.
The electric vehicles offer a
secure and balanced energy option and hence proves to be energy efficient and
environment friendly.
A STEP TOWARDS AN ELECTRIC FUTURE
Despite of some disbenefits of
electric vehicles like high cost, heavy weight and limited to the distance it
can travel before recharge, electric vehicles are definitely the next-gen
products. The major issue is its affordability and range.
Researchers are currently working
on increasing the range. The concept of supercapacitors and ultracapacitors for
storing and delivering charge is likely to be utilised in electric vehicles. They
are working on improved battery technologies, to increase driving range and
decrease the recharging time and cost.
The future of electric vehicles
is bright and promising because of its benefits over gas powered vehicles.
There will be time when maximum of people will own an electric vehicle and thus
in turn protect the environment.
I’ll see you at the charging
station. ;)
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