Electric Vehicle Anxiety - How Will Joe Consumer Spell Relief?

The scarcity of electric cars on U.S. roadways is expected to change in coming months as two major automakers begin selling models geared to Joe Consumer.

But recharging remains an issue. Very few fast-recharge stations have been installed along Interstate 5, although a number are planned. That lack of recharge availability could result in something I'll call electric-charge anxiety:

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"Will I make it, or will I run out of juice?"

Tow truck operators are ready. Believe me, I know. Owning a 74 Super Beetle as a daily driver meant I required wrecker services frequently.

Pike Research, a clean energy research consultant based in Boulder, Colo., has forecast that 4.7 million charging stations will be built in the next five years. However, there's a caveat in the wording of the Pike report summary.

The phrase, "This evolution will require the ongoing buildout," denotes that demand dictates the growth of "residential equipment to public, private and workplace charging stations" capable of charging a spent electric vehicle battery.

Should sales of the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf prove lackluster, how will executives of Monrovia, California-based AeroVironment, a manufacturer of a fast charger, react? Will the company and others like it commit millions to develop road-side charging stations?

Or will charging stations be limited to clusters like those proposed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which plans to build 50 fast chargers and 2,000 public chargers around San Francisco? Jake Richardson of Care2.com called it a big step.

Hard to tell.

"The success of hybrid vehicles in the 2000s gave drivers a taste for propulsion by electric power," said Pike senior analyst John Gartner in a statement. "And governments around the world are now highly focused on creating the charging infrastructure to support the arrival of EVs in significant numbers."

Yet, Pike also said "the economics of selling a few kilowatt hours per charge are very challenging" and that development of charging stations largely will be done by government money. And that's a tough call in this economic climate.

Gartner said he expects that by 2015, more than 3.1 million electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles, will be sold worldwide.

Pike did offer clarity to the private-sector charger free-for-all.

The company said the market for electric charging equipment is likely to become crowded by the end of next year. "While the initial wave of vendors was led by niche vendors such as AeroVironment, Better Place, Coulomb Technologies, and ECOtality, heavyweight technology players such as GE, Panasonic, Samsung, and Siemens are now making bold moves into the space."

Whether that's enough to put a recharger where you need one on a freeway or remote highway will be what commuters of electric vehicles will be asking.

Electric Vehicle Anxiety - How Will Joe Consumer Spell Relief?

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Electric Vehicle Battery: Basic Facts

Electric vehicles have been an extremely hot topic recently. Here are a few facts about the batteries that propel them.

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Different types of electric vehicle batteries

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There are many types of electric vehicle batteries available in the market. These batteries come with many advantages and features. The types of various such batteries include:
Lead acid electric vehicle battery Nickel metal hydride Zebra Lithium ion

Lead acid battery

Lead acid batteries are very popular cells that are widely used to propel cars. Lead acids are gaining popularity among users. All cells cause recycling issues, however the lead acid batteries are the easiest to deal with as there is a much bigger setup already in place.

Nickel metal hydride

Nickel metal hydride is widely considered a mature technology by many manufactures. Compared to other electric vehicle cells, nickel will last longer. However the battery's poor performance and issues with recharge cycle in the cold weather is of concern to some users. There is no doubt that nickel metal hybrid has played a vital part in the development of these types of vehicles in the UK.

Zebra batteries

Zebra batteries are also known as sodium batteries. They make use of molten chloroaluminate sodium as the electrolyte and again are considered to be a mature technology. Weight and the number of batteries required to propel a vehicle is the only downside of the battery.

Lithium ion batteries

Lithium ions are the most popular electric vehicle batteries in the UK and worldwide. The disadvantages for these batteries are the cost is sometimes 3 times more than that of lead acid and the management systems required to ensure they function well also adding to the cost and complexity of the system.

Electric vehicle battery chargers

There is a massive increase in the use of battery propelled cars in the UK and around the world. It is important that you use a charger that is compatible with the battery. From 50Hz chargers to low energy consumption high frequency chargers, there are many types of chargers available in the market. When you buy a charger for the product be sure to give the correct specification to the supplier. This way you can make sure that you get the right charger for your needs.

Keep these simple facts about Electric Vehicle Battery and choose the best one for your applications needs. By charging and watering the products according to the manufacture's standards you can also ensure them a prolonged life span.

Electric Vehicle Battery: Basic Facts

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Electric Car Conversion Kits - How to Build Your Own Electric Vehicle

Electric car conversion kits are becoming more and more popular every day. Converting your current vehicle to run on electricity can help you save thousands of dollars on gasoline costs.

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By building your own electric powered car you can:
Completely eliminate your gas bill. Drive up to 200 miles on a single charge. Receive tax refunds for driving a clean fuel vehicle. Stop emitting heat and pollution and help reduce global warming.

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Soon this technology will be standard in all new cars, but until then you can retrofit your existing car to run on electricity, even if you are not mechanically inclined.

Instead of paying an auto-shop up to ,000, you can follow the step-by-step instructions of a diy manual and build the system yourself for less than 0!

The majority of vehicles can be converted to use electricity, but it's better to choose an automobile that is light and has room for batteries.After removing all the gas engine parts you will need to install the electrical components like the electric motor, the batteries and the water pump.
All the parts are easily available at your local auto-shop.

The cost for the conversion is under 0 and will pay for itself in 1-2 months.
An added bonus is that you will reduce your maintenance costs, because electric automobiles need less maintenance.

Diy electric car conversion guides are the most affordable solution for building your own electric car.

Unfortunately the problem with some of these guides is that they are not of a high quality and are very difficult to follow.

Do you want to save more than ,000 on gas per year, every year?

Electric Car Conversion Kits - How to Build Your Own Electric Vehicle

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Convert Your Gas Vehicle to Electric - 5 Myths About Electric Vehicle Conversions

Well, it looks like gas prices are on the rise once again and with summer demand for fuel just around the corner, I think we might start to see oil prices well over the 0 a barrel mark. If you're reading this article, then you may have already thought about converting your gas vehicle to an all electric. If you've ever talked to anyone about the pros and cons of an all electric vehicle, you've likely heard some or all of the following misconceptions about EVs. Allow me to dispel 5 common electric vehicle conversion myths.

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They have limited range - All vehicles have a limited range before they need refueling. The fact of the matter is most Americans only drive an average of 40 miles (64 km) per day. An electric converted vehicle can easily exceed that range between charges and unlike gas engines, don't consume any energy when at a stop light. They cost too much - when compared to gas engines, electric vehicles cost less in the long run. Once converted, not only will gas be eliminated as an ongoing expense, but so will oil, coolant, filters, mufflers, gaskets, belts, tune ups, and all the other bits and pieces that go into burning combustible fuels. When I converted my Mazda MX3, I was amazed at how much gas burning junk was removed from the vehicle. Let's not forget about the environmental costs that go along with gas vehicle emissions. They pollute because electricity for charging is generated from coal-fired power stations - Although over half the electricity in the US is generated from coal-fired plants, there are alternate ways to charge batteries through solar, wind and hydro-electric power. If you take into account all the pollution generated to drill, refine, transport and ultimately burn gasoline, trying to make the comparison is almost laughable. EV batteries end up in landfills. Batteries contain valuable materials in them and can be almost entirely recycled. Even conventional gas burning vehicle batteries are 99% recycled according to the U.S. E.P.A. They're slow - Even an average EV conversion can easily reach highway speeds and if a high performance EV is desired, parts and equipment are available to leave a lot of gas cars in the dust. The only thing slow about electric vehicles is the big automakers willingness to get production models to market.

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An EV can make a great second vehicle and in a lot of cases there's no reason it couldn't be your primary mode of transportation.

Convert Your Gas Vehicle to Electric - 5 Myths About Electric Vehicle Conversions

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Electric Pickup Conversion - Save Gas Driving an Electric Vehicle

The current challenge faced by many car owners is raising fuel cost. Many drivers are finding it increasingly expensive to run the cars. Some have no choice but to leave their car at home and use the public transportation. One solution to reduce our gasoline expense is to use an electric car. Unfortunately, the current model of electric vehicle from the manufacturer is still expensive and not very practical. Some car enthusiasts have retrofitted their vehicle into electric via a DIY project from home. If you are planning to do your own conversion, why not choose a pickup truck as the donor car.

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The concept of electric car conversion is to replace the internal combustion engine with an electric DC motor. The motor is to be attached to the transmission with a customized joining plate. To power the motor, a series of lead acid flooded batteries are used. You will need a minimum of 20 battery packs to supply the electricity. This is where a pickup truck will come in handy. A pickup truck has ample storage space at its back. Building a battery box and connecting all the wiring will be easier for a truck. Checking and maintaining all the batteries are also easier because all the batteries are in one location.

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If you are not familiar with automobile maintenance, all the information above may not make sense to you. You can still enjoy the benefits of owning an electric vehicle by sending you car to a professional mechanic to be retrofitted. To be prudent, you should know at least some basic understanding on electric car. You can get information on electric vehicle from numerous electric conversion guides on the web.

Electric Pickup Conversion - Save Gas Driving an Electric Vehicle

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Electric Vehicle

Electric Vehicle is a transport, witch uses electric power instead gasoline, or diesel. To power electric vehicle motors batteries are needed. Electric vehicle uses one or several electric motors to create movement. Despite engine differences, electric vehicles are very similar to regular cars. External and internal view can be the same. External design doesn't differ much, because of aerodynamic properties and modern style.

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The batteries of electric vehicle are suppliers of electric power to motor controller. It is main unit, which controls the amount of energy supplied to engines. Pressing accelerator pedal does controlling. Electric motor then transfers movement to tires. Electric motors are very efficient, because when braking electric motors acts like generators, who charges batteries. Charging car batteries with done by using regular chargers plugged to AC power supply. Mean time to charge batteries varies about 6 hours.

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The main reason why electric vehicles were created is about pollution. An electric vehicle doesn't pollute the environment and atmosphere what is unavoidable when regular engine vehicles are used. Some skeptic people say, that electric plant does pollute and there fore it can be stated, that electric motors pollute in this way. But in other hand government is strict about plant pollution outcome it can overwhelm the limits. Electric vehicles can be more effective when charging at nighttime, because the price of electric power at this time usually is twice cheaper then in daytime.

Also it is good to know that electric vehicles are more effective because there is no transmission where can be energy loses. Also electric cars are more silent and movement is smooth.

Electric Vehicle

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Electric Vehicle Motor For Conversion - DC Motor Or AC Motor

Since you have resolved to build an electric vehicle of your own, Just like in life, before one sets out to do something, a proper knowledge is highly needed. Now you need to learn about electric vehicle motors. The following are considerations in choosing which vehicle to install.

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1. How big of a motor do you need?
2. Do you use D.C or A.C motor?
3. Detailed plan to go about it.
4. Do you choose a car or truck?

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Let's get started by outlining what you should look out is the vehicle suitable for conversion to electric vehicle. A featherweight vehicle is most suitable for electric vehicle conversion; the vehicle should also have ample room for batteries. This featherweight vehicle chassis should be strong enough to contain the additional weight of the batteries and D.C electric vehicle motor. These are basically the main concern when thinking of owning of an electric motor.

Which motor to go for D.C or A.C?

Big companies are installing A.C motors. A.C is light for its power output and they have a powerful charging device that works off of your braking system when the A.C motor is slowed down that energy is actually transferred to the batteries. D.C motor is preferred to A.C motor, because A.C is difficult to install and is expensive. So many people like me embrace D.C for their electric motors.

The outlined plan showed us where to find free electric vehicle motors and deep cycle batteries, thus, reducing our cost for driving our dream vehicle.

Another great way of reducing cost is by going for used or recycled D.C electric motor, since the motor will serve longer enough even for a life time of two vehicles. D.C electric motor of 9 to 13 inch range works best and has lots of power.

Since our environment is changing due to burning of fossil fuel (gas), and with gas prices determined to hit per gallon in the nearest future, the time to switch to electric vehicle is right now.

Electric Vehicle Motor For Conversion - DC Motor Or AC Motor

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Build Your Own Electric Car - Convert Your Car Into an Electric Vehicle at Home

Is it possible to build your own electric car at home? It used to cost somewhere from 00 onwards to convert a conventional internal combustion engine into an electric vehicle. The modification work can only be done in a high tech workshop. Ever since the prices of gasoline went up, many car owners are facing an inflated gasoline bill. It is understandable that they are searching for an alternative energy source to power their car. One such solution is to build your own electric from your garage. How does the process work? This article will share some information on the process of converting a family sedan into an electric vehicle.

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An electric vehicle is actually quite simple. Golfers have been driving around in an electric golf cart in the green. An electric vehicle on the road is no different. What you will need are batteries to supply the power and an electric motor to generate torque to move the car. The idea is to replace the internal combustion engine with the electric motor while using some of the existing drive train such as the gearing and clutch system.

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To control the amount of electricity current going to the motor, you would use an electric regulator. The regulator acts as the accelerator pedal of a conventional car. All the electrical system would have to be connected to a central circuit board. The function of the circuit board is to monitor the whole system and also acts as a power overload breaker.

For an average car owner to build an electric vehicle from home might seem like a daunting task. Luckily, there are many conversion guides available on the internet. To start reducing your gasoline expense bill, all you have to do is get a good step by step instructional guide, roll up your sleeves and start the conversion project.

Build Your Own Electric Car - Convert Your Car Into an Electric Vehicle at Home

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Electric Pedal Vehicle - The Electric Bycicle

The electric bike is an amazing vehicle for any environmentally conscious person who feels they need a mode of transportation that is also fast and efficient. The bicycle is made not to leave the rider completely idle but to assist in the movement over hills as well as flat ground. Basically, these bikes are for people who want an alternative to a car, get exercise, go fast without increased effort, and get you where you want to be.

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Amazingly, the price of a bike is the same as a standard one. So, you get the regular bike functions plus the additional power from the battery to propel you faster than you could yourself for a longer period of time. Remeber, the electricity of the bike is not to increase your speed or move without your effort, it is to assist you to ride at a regular safe speed on or off road.

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You might be thinking that electric bikes require some kind of licence like motor bikes or other gas powered vehicles. Although these vehicles are similar, the law regards the electric bike the same as a traditional bicycle. As long as the bike stays at ir below 20 miles per hour, the law has no problem with allowing all willing drivers to do as they please.

There are a few different types of electric bicycles on the market including the ezeE, suadeE, and the original. The difference in the bikes are only in the way they are shaped. They allow for usability in different terrains. Certain bikes are better for rougher terrain wile others excel on flatter terrain.

In addition, there are foldable electric bikes that can be folded for easy storage and carrying. If you are a subway rider, you can appreciate the feature that can allow you to stop annoying the other passangers by taking up half the car.

Finally, the final bike type, is a smaller than average bike. The wheels on these bikes are no larger than 20′. They are easy to get off and on, they are quick and very easy to ride, and they are easy to lift and stow away. Whether your tall or short, any rider can use one of these types because it is also fully adjustable. Especially if you can't find your self pedaling all the way to your destination, the electric motor will assist you.

Those are the basics on electric bikes. You now have a choice to make: do you want a compact bike, an eZee,or a suedeE. The choice is yours. Please make sure to look at the facts about electric bikes and make sure the one you purchase or plan on purchasing is right for you, your situation, and your environment.

Electric Pedal Vehicle - The Electric Bycicle

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Electric Cars and How They Work - DIY Electric Vehicle Conversion

Many conventional car owners are fascinated by the idea of driving an electric car and they would like to know how it works. Generally, electric vehicles (EV) are quite simple. Instead of burning fossil fuel to generate force, EV uses the power of magnetic induction to produce torque from the electric motor. The more electricity flowing through the motor, the more force it will generate. Ever since the price of gasoline reached a new height, running a car has become an expensive ordeal. It is understandable that many car owners are expressing their interest on electric car. What would be the process of retrofitting a car into an EV? This article will provide some useful information on the subject.

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If you want to modify your car to run on electricity, it would cost you upwards of 00 to get it done in professional workshop. If you really want to save money, you can actually do the conversion process yourself at home. Generally, the retrofitting process involves removing the internal combustion engine, the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines and radiator. The entire system is to be replaced with an electric motor and lead acid batteries. Imagine replacing all the components that has fluid running through it and changing it with wires connectors.

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The existing drive train of the car such as the transmission, drive shafts and clutch system can still used. The electric motor will be coupled to the transmission and drawing power from the batteries. The number of batteries needed will depend on the horse power of the motor and the weight of the car.

If you do not have any knowledge on the electrical and mechanical system of a car, all these information may not make any sense to you. In this case, you can ask someone who has some car maintenance skill to assist you. To start the conversion process, you should first get a good step by step modification guide. Most good quality guides are available online.

Electric Cars and How They Work - DIY Electric Vehicle Conversion

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DIY Electric Car - Convert Your Vehicle to Run on Electric From Home

How does someone get started in a Do It Yourself (DIY) electric car conversion project from their home garage? Many people are considering using an Electric Vehicle (EV) ever since the prices of gasoline shot through the roof. Sadly, to retrofit a car into an EV done by a professional workshop will set you back as much as 00. The investment is out of range for most people. An alternative is to convert your car to EV by yourself at home. What do you need to initiate a DIY electric car modification project? This article will provide some useful information on the subject.

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The idea of an EV conversion is to remove the internal combustion engine from the chassis of the car. All other associated components of the engine such as gas tank, fuel lines and radiator will also be removed. The propulsion for the car will be generated by an electric motor. The existing drive train such as the transmission, drive shafts and clutch system can still be used.

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An electric motor generates torque by the process of Electric Induction. The power to the motor is supplied by a series of lead acid flood batteries stored on the car. The number of batteries required will depend of the power output of the motor and the overall weight of the car. The amount of force produced by the motor will be controlled by an amp regulator. The regulator acts as the accelerator paddle of the car.

If you are not well verse with cars, all the information above may not make any sense to you. DIY project may not work for you. What you can do is to outsource the retrofitting project to a mechanic friend. You should at least have some basic understanding on EV conversion process. This is to safe guard you from being billed for unnecessary parts. To gather the knowledge, you can purchase electric car conversion guides from the internet.

DIY Electric Car - Convert Your Vehicle to Run on Electric From Home

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