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Electric vehicles are
increasing in popularity as technology advances to
make them more user friendly for everyday life.
They are popular because of their environmental
benefit over conventional petrol and diesel engine
cars. In addition, in the current economic
climate, there are significant savings which can be
made from driving a electric car.
Electric Cars are
powered by electric motors (DC or AC), which draws
its power from an on-board battery packs which act
as an energy store. Batteries, usually Nickel
metal-hydride or Lithium-ion are charged by simply
connecting the vehicle to a standard mains power
supply, and is usually charged overnight for a full
charge.
Another feature of most
modern electric cars is the regenerative braking
system which allows the battery to be topped up when
the brakes are applied, therefore increasing the
vehicle range.
As technology increased,
electric cars are becoming more powerful and as a
result their top speed and range, which was always a
limiting factor is now increasing. Previously
electric cars were only found in a 2 seater form, in
an effort to keep weight down. Overtime,
electric cars are now becoming larger, and therefore
safer and we have now seen an emergence of electric
sports cars. These advances and with an increase in
the number of recharging points across the country
electric cars are becoming more and more suitable
for inner city driving an a viable option for more
drivers.
Electric Cars are
popular with those who are concerned about the
environment. EVs have no tailpipe emissions
(Zero emission). This means they burn no
fossil fuel as you drive them and they don't pollute
the air as you drive by releasing noxious gasses.
In is argued however
that emissions are produced during the generation of
electricity at power stations to charge the vehicles
but this can be addressed with the use of a
renewable energy supplier. The disposal of the
batteries are also a concern however this is being
addressed with the emergence of longer life
batteries.
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