Is The Electric Car A Viable Alternative Fuel Choice?

by Clifton Zima on July 27, 2010

British Gas Websaver 468x60 Is the Electric Car a Viable Alternative Fuel Choice?

If we have sufficient money, we can go for a new hybrid or electric car. But, most of the people are economically uncomfortable or love their present car too much to part with it. In such a scenario, people can opt for other options that can allow them to keep their present car by electric conversion, which will give them the benefits of an electric car.

To do the electric car conversion, we have to get the electric conversion kit. These conversion kits can make a gasoline powered vehicles into an electric vehicles. There are two types of conversion kits in the market, the ones which replace the present mechanism and another is installed along with the present fuel system. An electric conversion is the modification of a conventional internal combustion engine driven vehicle to battery electric propulsion, creating a battery electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. Today, one can go for either hybrid electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Hybrid electric vehicles are those using both electric motors and other types of engines; whereas plug in hybrids electric vehicles are those vehicles with batteries that can be charged externally.

People have lots of misconceptions on electric car conversions. Some think that it will not only adversely affect their present car mechanisms, but also will reduce the pick up and speed of the cars. Both of these are baseless doubts in the minds of the people. One of the major advantages of electric car conversion is that not only they significantly reduce your fuel costs but also provide a totally pollution free driving experience. If you are installing a gas/electric car conversion kit, then you can get the benefits of both the fuels. So when you run out of gas, you can always rely on the battery power to take you to the next gas station or your destination.

The major disadvantage of completely electric vehicle is that you will only be able to drive about a hundred miles before the charge runs out. Also, it is a bit expensive to convert a conventional car to an electrical car. Other disadvantages of electric car are that, batteries have to be recharged every time, limits on driving distances and the lack of power. But without doubt, we can say that electric cars purely eco-friendly.

Clifton is a qualified mechanical engineer committed to finding alternative fuel sources that can be incorporated into everyday life. Alternative energy sources with reduced environmental effects will need to be discovered and used in order to generate the power requirements our lifestyle currently demands.

Thank you for reading, British Gas Energy Smart
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British Gas Websaver 468x60 Is the Electric Car a Viable Alternative Fuel Choice?

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

mori July 28, 2010 at 4:23 am

SUVs are more vulnerable to accidents than regular sedans because they are more unstable and can flip over with greater ease

nard July 31, 2010 at 10:33 am

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katsky kasakoska July 31, 2010 at 3:46 pm

The one EV car I currently have (have 2 vehicles that run on hydrogen also) I converted from a vw bug and is free to charge. As I live completely off the grid all my electricity comes from solar panels and 2 wind generators, which I also built.

However I did charge up at Costco in Carlsbad California (I actually only drove up there to fill up) if I remember right it was around $2.00

Not sure if you’re interesting in doing it yourself, but I’d be willing to walk you step by step threw the conversion. I've converted 3 of my own cars (a datsun truck, ford ban, and a vw bug) and a few for neighbors. I've also converted cars to run on hydrogen, ethanol and biodiesel, by far EV is the easiest.

If you’re interested here’s what it would entitle…

- The engine compartment is first cleaned out of any gasoline components.
- Electric components are then installed in exchange.
- A battery bank is built and incorporated.
- Existing starter and driving systems are connected.
- Turn the key, step on the gas pedal sending more energy to the electric motor, & thus more power to the drive system, which in return creates more speed, more acceleration.
- The system has normal automotive top speeds and acceleration, typical to the vehicle your modifying. If your top speed was 85 mph and your acceleration was 1 mile per min, then this will be what your left with after the conversion.

The methods are extremely simple, making the process possible for anyone, everyone, ANYWHERE.

Typical tools, hardware & supplies are used, making access to parts available for all.

Electric Conversions can be easily accomplished in ANY model vehicle, even tractors, Generators, types of machinery, etc.

Project lengths range from 1 day to 1 month.
If you’re interested I wrote a guide on it which is available at www agua-luna com

My last EV conversion ran me about $1400. Everything is available online. I have a how to do it yourself guide available at www agua-luna com that will walk you step by step through the process. If you have ANY questions feel free to contact me through the site. Here’s a list of what you'd need…

Advanced DC Motor
The motor is an 8" Advanced DC series-wound motor. It weighs 107 pounds and is rated at 68 peak horsepower. These motors are available in several sizes.

Adaptor plate
The adaptor plate mates the motor to the transmission. It is constructed of 1/2 inch aluminum and is pre-drilled with bolt hole patterns for both the motor and transmission. An aluminum spacer is also used for proper spacing between the shafts of the transmission and motor. Adaptor plates are available for many cars.

DC Motor Controller
The controller regulates current going to the motor. It is a solid-state device that uses a pulse width modulator (PWM) that sends short bursts of current to the motor at a rate of 15 kHz. Controllers are available from both Curtis and DCP.

Potbox (Potentiometer)
The potbox is a 5K ohm throttle between the controller and the accelerator, similar to the way a sewing machine pedal works. The potbox's lever arm is attached to the existing accelerator cable.

Main Contactor
An electric relay that serves the same purpose as the ignition switch in a gas car. When the key is turned to the start position, the contactor closes the circuit to allow current to flow to the controller.

Circuit Breaker
A safety device that shuts down power for servicing or during an emergency. The circuit breaker is installed under the hood and can be switched both off and on from the drivers seat with an extension or cable.

Main Fuse
The main fuse protect the system from high voltage spikes. A fuse should be installed at each battery box or group of batteries.

Shunt
A shunt is placed in series within the wiring as a means to connect meters. Shunts are available in different sizes for both high and low power configurations.

Charger interlock
A relay that keeps the circuit open so nobody will inadvertantly drive off with the charge cord plugged into the car.

DC/DC Converter
The DC/DC converter is similar in function to a gas car's alternator. It charges the 12 volt accessory battery by chopping voltage from the main battery pack down to 13.5 volts.

If you interested I offer several DIY alternative guides to walk you step by step threw EV conversion process at agua-luna com or

www agua-luna com
Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

Dan Martin
Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World… Instantly Elevating Their Income & Lowering Their Debt, While Saving The Environment by Using FREE ENERGY… All With Just One Click of A Mouse…For more info Visit:

www AGUA-LUNA com
Stop Global Warming!!!

helma September 6, 2010 at 9:40 am

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