Kiss Gas Goodbye: Why You Should Plug In to the Future of Electric Vehicles 

   Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionizing the transportation landscape, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. As defined by Cook [1], EVs are vehicles propelled by one or more electric motors. Hussain [5] further clarifies that the energy source for EVs comes from portable and electrochemical or electromechanical sources, and all traction comes from an electric motor.

   The history of EVs dates back to the 19th century when they were initially favored for their quiet operation and ease of use compared to the crude gasoline-powered cars of that era. While internal combustion engines (ICEs) came to dominate the automotive industry, electric power continues to be the primary source of propulsion for various other modes of transportation, such as trains and smaller vehicles.

   The past few decades have witnessed a resurgence in interest in electric transportation due to concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuels and the potential depletion of oil reserves (peak oil). Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs can be powered by a diverse mix of energy sources, including:

1. Nuclear power
2. Fossil fuels (although using these sources negates some environmental benefits)
3. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and tidal power
4. This electricity can be delivered to the car in various ways:
5. Directly through an electrical cable
6. Wirelessly through inductive charging
7. Over overhead power lines

   Once received, the electricity is stored in the vehicle’s battery, flywheel, or supercapacitors to power the electric motor. A key advantage of EVs and hybrid vehicles is regenerative braking, which recovers energy lost during braking and converts it back into electricity to recharge the battery [1].

   Compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, pure electric vehicles offer several advantages, as highlighted by Cook [2]:

1. Simpler and more reliable infrastructure
2. Lower maintenance costs
3. Up to 10 times lower transportation costs
4. Full power is available across the entire RPM range
5. Tax reductions through government subsidies

   Pure EVs boast the highest levels of efficiency and power production compared to other alternative technologies like plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell vehicles, as demonstrated in Figure, which utilizes the well-to-wheel (WTW) methodology to assess energy loss [2].

Comparative approach to different vehicle types on-road use. Source [2].

   Beyond these benefits, EVs can be up to four times more efficient than internal combustion engines and offer the potential for local energy generation using renewable sources, as shown in Figure. This can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, particularly in urban areas. While the manufacturing process of EVs may create some emissions, these can be offset over time through cleaner operation [2].

Finally, EVs can be categorized into three main types based on their power source and propulsion system [3, 4]:

1. Pure Electric Vehicle (PEV) or Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
2. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
3. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

   This diversification allows consumers to choose the EV type that best suits their needs and driving habits. As technology continues to advance and infrastructure expands, electric vehicles are poised to play a significant role in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future for transportation.

References:

[1] Crook, F., 2012. “Know All About Electric Vehicles”. New Delhi: World Technologies.

[2] Rimpas, D., Kaminaris, S., Aldarraji, I., Piromalis, D., Vokas, G., Papageorgas, P. and Tsaramirsis, G., 2022. “Energy management and storage systems on electric vehicles: A comprehensive review”. Materials Today: Proceedings, 61, pp.813-819.

[3] Maïsseu, Dr.B.M., 2007. “International Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles (IJEHV)” Inderscience Publishers – linking academia, business, and industry through research. Available at: https://www.inderscience.com/jhome.php?jcode=ijehv [Accessed: 23 September 2022].

[4] 1982. “Electric and hybrid vehicles”. St Helier: Interscience Enterprises.

[5] Husain, I., 2021. “Electric and hybrid vehicles”. Boca Raton: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group.