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 Totally electric vehicles, or EVs, run entirely on electricity, with no gasoline powered engines or generators. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, run primarily on electricity but can switch to gasoline power, either with a gasoline powered engine or a generator that charges the battery while they drive. Drivers who are interested in doing more to help the environment can now turn to available electric and hybrid vehicles available today.
There are basically two options for electric vehicles on the market today.
Currently there are approximately four EVs on the market and between five and six PHEVs available, with many more coming to showrooms around the world in 2012 or 2013. While these vehicles run on the same premise, using electricity as the primary source of power, they are very dissimilar and require those interested to carefully research their options to choose the right vehicle for their needs. Here is some pertinent information about the vehicles you can buy now or coming to the market very soon.
Electric Vehicles:
Electric vehicles run entirely on electricity, using no gasoline at all. They have limited ranges due to the lack of a gasoline generator, but many are equipped with a quick-charge feature that can charge the battery in 15 to 30 minutes. The main downside to these vehicles is the lack of infrastructure for these quick charges, but the average commuter can use them to drive around town or to and from work and save substantially on fueling costs while protecting the environment.
Electric vehicles run entirely on electricity, using no gasoline at all. They have limited ranges due to the lack of a gasoline generator, but many are equipped with a quick-charge feature that can charge the battery in 15 to 30 minutes. The main downside to these vehicles is the lack of infrastructure for these quick charges, but the average commuter can use them to drive around town or to and from work and save substantially on fueling costs while protecting the environment.
Nissan LEAF –
The price for the Nissan LEAF starts at $32,780, and it has a range of 73 miles and a tops speed of 90 mph. While the car is available in select states and areas of Japan now, mass distribution in the United States is set to begin in 2012. The LEAF's NEC Li-ion battery can charge to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes with the DC quick charger.
Tesla Roadster –
The Tesla Roadster is a two-seater sports car with convertible option that rivals any high-end sports car in classy design elements. It has top speeds of 125 mph can charge via a 120-volt outlet. It runs on a liquid-cooled 56 kWh Li-on battery pack with an astonishing 245-mile range, and the electric vehicle has a base price of $109,000.
THINK City –
The hit the American market at the end of 2010 with an introductory price of $34,000. It has a range of 111 miles and a top speed of 60 mph. It utilizes Much of the frame is made from recycled plastic, adding to the environmentally-friendly design.
REVA –
The compact REVA reaches top speeds of 65 mph and has a range of 100 miles. The rechargeable Li-ion lead acid battery charges in 8 hours with a standard charger and 90 minutes on a quick charger. The vehicle is not available in the US to date but sells for 14,995 euros without the battery in Europe. REVA plans to launch sometime in the next five years in the United States.
Daimler Smart Fortwo ED –
When the Smart ED hits the market full force in 2012, it will sport a 16.5 kWh Li-ion battery pack and a 30 kW electric motor. When they first launch, the vehicles will lease for $915 before rebates per month for four-years. A selling price has not been set yet. The electric vehicle will have a top speed of 70 mph and a range of 90 miles.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles:
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles provide a larger range because of the option to convert to a gasoline powered engine or generator. They also have several models that can charge with a standard home electricity source rather than 210 outlets or fast chargers, making them more practical for many individuals.
Chevrolet Volt –
If you are looking for an extended range vehicle that can go close to 400 miles on one tank of gas, the Chevy Volt is the one for you. It receives 37 mpg in hybrid mode and has a 150 hp electric motor with a 1.4 liter gasoline engine that charges the battery hewn they are drained. The Volt began selling in December of 2010. All electric range is 35 miles with a total range of 379 miles per tank of gas and a top speed of 100 mph. The vehicles have a 16 kWh Li-ion battery. Starting price is $41,000.
Fisker Karma –
Going green doesn't mean giving up style with the Fisker Karma. This luxury sports car has a 50-mile all-electric range and can go from 0 to 60 in less than six seconds. The tops speed is 150 mph. The release date has been pushed back several times and was finally launched in early 2011 with a price of $87,900. The powertrain is powered by a 20-kWt lithium-ion battery supported by a 260-horsepower turbocharged generator battery.
Audi A1 e-Tron –
With an all-electric range of 31 miles, the Audi A1 e-tron is excellent for a commuting vehicle. once the battery is drained the vehicle's single-rotor Wankel engine kicks in to power an electrical generator that supplies power to the drivetrain. It has a top speed of 80 mph. The hybrid vehicle is supposed to launch in the middle of 2011 in Munich. An American launch date and price have not been set.
BYD Auto F3DM –
Imagine being able to drive 300 miles on just 9 gallons of gas. This is not a dream with the BYD Auto F3DM, which has an astounding 60-mile all-electric range, making it ideal for those with longer commutes who want to avoid the gas charge. It is powered by a 16kWh battery pack and a small 9-gallon gas tank. Total range is 300 miles with top speeds of over 100 mph. When it comes available in the United States sometime in 2011, it will have a very affordable price of $28,800.
Opel Ampera –
the Opel Ampera hybrid vehicle has a slightly larger all-electric range that the Volt, with 40 miles of all-electric driving capabilities and a total range of 310 miles. It is powered by a 16 kWh battery pack and can go from 0 to 60 in nine seconds with a top speed of 100 mph. The sleek design and unique front grill is quite appealing to the trend-setting driver, and the $57,000 price tag is more affordable than other sporty hybrid vehicle options. |
