From Honda Model T to sauna powered automobiles to petrol guzzlers to hybrid cars and finally the electric cars, car manufacturers are constantly developing auto technology to match market needs. The exploratory and adventurous nature of mankind hasn’t stopped developing alternative fuels to drive our cars, with the lesser known types of alternative fuels being recycled organic oil, biodiesel, and even water. Global car manufacturers are racing with the broken ozone to produce an environmentally friendly, affordable and functionally sound car to meet our needs.
Enter the electric car. The never say die attitude of the car manufacturers have amplified the electric car concept again with an enhanced battery technology which could well catapult the electric car into the Auto Land orbit. Let us find the development of the arduous tracks of the electric car to understand better this potential car for the future.
Cleaner Air For all
In the height of the green wave, the electric car was the star concept in a stellar way. Touted to give zero toxins emission into the environment, and zero fuel consumption, the electric car concept was a win win task for the environmentalists as well as car electronic supply company drivers. Imagine the paradise of being liberated from the pains of fuel costs, and yet not being able to breathe easy. Sad to say, as with any innovation, comes its fair share of roadblocks. The key problem of the electric car been released as drivers and car manufacturers realized the ful trouble of charging the batteries of the electric car, which is essentially what drives it. And this key aspect came close to killing the electric car concept then.
The Downside That Nearly Shelved The Electric Car For good.
NiMH used in electric cars back then was the primary reason that had gotten the electric car concepts shelved by many a car maker. NiMH battery life was short and required charging almost after every 50 miles. The great trouble caused to busy drivers in terms of waiting time was not considered in the initial concept. And to top this off, limited charging areas and long waiting time for charging became a great put off for many car drivers and they soon gave up their dream for a greener environment for the more convenience petrol guzzlers. But car manufacturers pushed on.
Lithium Ion Batteries To the Rescue
The never say die attitude of car manufacturers explored other avenues to improve the battery life of the electric car. They looked no further than the cell phone, which has proven longer battery life with the lithium ion batteries. In fact the tiny little lithium batteries fast became the inspiration of car manufacturers so much so that they amplified the electric car concept by marrying the lithium ion batteries with the basic functions of the electric car. Lithium ion batteries have since proved to be a far superior relative to the NiMH with more durable life between recharges reaching record of 200 miles before a second charge now and again.
These second generation electric cars have turned heads to Auto Land and tailgating this phenomenon is the Telsa Roadster, an full electric fancy car which have already sold 1000 pieces. General Engines too is jumping upon the bandwagon to corner that family car market space with its Chevy Volt reasoning behind a electric hybrid family car.
What better scenario could we get than the usual totally green car, saving the vehicle owner the agonizing pain of ever rising fuel costs, and being able to inhale easier too. Here is many thanks to Auto Land and looking forward to the grand debut of the real commercialization of the Electric Car.