Electric / Hybrid
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) use batteries and other energy storage devices to store the electricity that powers the electric motor in the vehicle. EV batteries are charged by plugging in the vehicle to a power source.
More than 95% of the electricity used to charge EVs originates from domestic resources. Service requirements for EVs are fewer than those for gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles are zero emission vehicles, which means they produce no tailpipe or evaporative emissions that contribute to air pollution. However, electricity production is not pollution-free. Most of the electricity in the U.S. is created with the burning of coal.
A small selection of all-electric cars from the big automakers—including Honda’s EV Plus, GM’s EV1 and S-10 electric pickup, a Ford Ranger pickup, and Toyota’s RAV4 EV—were introduced in California between 1997 and 1999. Despite the enthusiasm of early adopters, the electrics failed to reach beyond a few hundred drivers for each model. Within a few years, the all-electric programs were dropped.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles, or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), are vehicles that combine gasoline-powered engines and electric motors.
HEVs are powered by two energy sources—an energy conversion unit (such as a combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (such as batteries). HEVs can be two to three more times efficient than normal combustion engine vehicles.
A growing number of hybrid vehicles are making their way on the road today. American Honda produces the hybrid electric Insight and hybrid versions of the Accord and Civic. Toyota has the flagship HEV Prius, along with hybrid versions of the Camry and Highlander SUV. Ford has created a hybrid version of their Escape SUV, Chevrolet and GMC have hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra trucks and Dodge has the Ram hybrid. Each of these manufacturers has new hybrid versions of existing models to be released in the coming years.
The two most referenced benefits of operating a hybrid vehicle are reduced emissions and increased mileage. Emissions are reduced because of the option to switch between the gas engine and electric motor. Most OEM hybrids are classified as partial zero-emissions vehicles (PZEV) that means near zero evaporative emissions. Like any other vehicle, the miles per gallon (MPG) will vary by make, model and size of the vehicle. Mileage numbers for hybrids range from 18 city/21 highway for hybrid SUVs to 60 city/66 highway for the top mileage rating hybrid sedan.
Both electric and hybrid electric vehicles help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
General Information about Electric/Hybrid Vehicles
U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: www.eere.energy.gov
U.S. DOE EERE Fuel Economy: www.fueleconomy.gov
EV World: www.evworld.com
Hybrid Cars: www.hybridcars.com
Energy Quest: www.energyquest.ca.gov
Hybrid Vehicles
General Motors: www.gm.com
Toyota Motor Sales: www.toyota.com
American Honda Motor Company: www.corporate.honda.com
Ford Motor Company: www.ford.com
Electric Vehicles
Global Electric Motorcars: www.gemcar.com
ZAP: www.zapworld.com
ZENN: www.zenncars.com
Toyota Motor: www.toyota.com
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