This is not our future

This is not our future

 Many of us would not be aware that before development of gasoline powered engines electric vehicles were used as a source of transportation. Between late 19th century and early 20th century, electric cars were ruling, but as the advancement took place in the internal combustion engine fitted with electric starter, electric powered vehicles were nailed down by gas powered. With companies such as Ford Motor stepping in for commercial production of internal combustion engines, price of gasoline vehicles reduced drastically and with time electric vehicles lost their importance and presence.

Gasoline powered vehicles possessed several advantages over electric vehicle. The long operating range is the prime factor, why electric powered vehicles lost the race. Long charging hours compared too few minutes of refueling of tank with gasoline too was very advantageous, esp. when gas was readily available at almost every place than compared to electricity. These all factors build up the cause of failure of electric vehicles.

Slowly the time passed away and we never realized that cheap things are also cheap by nature. Gasoline made our environment dirtier with heavy emissions of Carbon Dioxide. In 21st century situation grew so worst that electric cars haunted back to internal combustion engines with their greener approach towards transporting method. Around the world, automobile companies started their research on electric vehicles but range myth remains unsolved. Whatever advantages electric vehicle may have over gasoline but their limited operating range gave all kind of troubles in their development and sales. Any person owing a car will definitely plan one or two long trips, either for work or for enjoyment; she/he will undergo range anxiety given by an electric vehicle. During driving in-spite of sharing some light moments the driver will spend most of the time watching the gauge indicating range left.

However, with all its drawbacks, electric cars are now considered as cool. You purchase and drive an electric vehicle people will eye you respectfully between all gas burning drivers around you. Even there is more chance to get a girlfriend rather easily. When you will park the car and will come out, a victorious face will emerge from inside the car doors. People will say- look, that guy do not harm environment. That’s how electric cars are teasing dirtier mode of transport. With consistent improvement in batteries  there will be considerable amount of range for an electric car and since governments around the world are backing with significant concessions in tax, time is not very far when electric may take on head to head to gas powered engines. Even in third world countries like India, companies are launching models, like Mahindra, one of the India’s leading automobile company came up with a model called 'E2O.'

All-round there is a buzz about electric cars. They are projected as green, economical, easy to use, practical and fun to drive. Money saving figures are displayed everywhere. But does electric cars possess same promise as shown by the companies or there are some hidden facts from which common public is denied.

We know that electric cars are greener than the popular mode of transport and it is true. They are green, but not in the way as they are advertised. Indirectly they emit carbon emissions, which is inevitable. Before you decide to purchase an electric vehicle just keep certain facts in your mind, which your car dealer may not provide you.

We will come to the difference of pricing later; first let us find out that how much Eco-friendly you will become after opting an electric vehicle. In 2008, a study was conducted in UK to conclude the potential of electric cars in reducing carbon emissions. It was found that it can cut emissions by at least 40% only. This is actually a small percentage than compared to promises made by the manufacturers. The emission saving figures gets even more worst when you charge your vehicle from a power source which utilizes the dirtiest fuel to generate electricity i.e. coal. Around the world coal is most abundantly used fuel to generate power, therefore indirectly unless you are not utilizing a clean energy to recharge your car batteries, you are indulging in emitting carbon which can range anywhere in between 6 ounce (170.1 grams) per mile to 12 ounce (340.2 grams) per mile.

In Journal of Industrial Ecology 2012 it was shown that carbon dioxide emissions from an electric car also come from the method it is produced. The battery production emits even more emissions that the rest of car as mining of Lithium cannot be called as a green activity. Therefore, before being sold an electric car is already responsible for emissions of 30,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. On the other hand, manufacturing a gas powered vehicle accounts for 17% of its lifetime carbon emissions and is responsible for 14,000 pounds of carbon emission before being sold.

You also pay a higher price to get a small size car, as for example the world's most popular electric is Nissan Leaf, which costs about $28,000. Nissan Leaf is a hatchback, therefore you pay double amount for the same size car as of a petrol engine. The higher cost is mainly due to batteries, which is their main source of power and requires charging. You will pay for charging whose price may vary depending on your supplier and on-peak and off-peak hours.

Considering all the above parameters, you would drive your vehicle for half of its life to overcome the extra price you paid while purchasing it and turning into a much better Eco-friendly person. However, with time batteries worn out, most cars come with a warranty of 5 years on battery pack. Beyond warranty, opting a replacement of batteries may cost you heavily.

Therefore, conclusion is rather easy. These cars are still not the future of automobiles. The demise electric vehicles faced in early 20th century may again repeat it because future lies elsewhere. We cannot live only with batteries. They promise a lot but do not deliver due to which car makers are opting for hybrid vehicles which runs on both electricity and petrol.

Vaxhaull Ampera - First generation Hybrid car

It is a more sensible option as it not only omits range anxiety but also is more practical to live with. With time gas price will go beyond reach of people, therefore unless and until the replacement option of gas do not come out, all the improvements can only be termed as ordinary.

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